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The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has apologised to former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, who engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North).
The exchange took place on Tuesday at the Senate Ethics Committee hearing on the sexual harassment allegation levelled against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has repeatedly accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
Ezekwesili joined Abiola Akiode, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan; and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu; at the senate committee hearing as a witness.
Nwaebonyi, the senate’s deputy chief whip — who appeared as a witness for Akpabio — repeatedly interrupted the former minister during the hearing.
Ezekwesili then asked the senator to “compose himself and stop making noise” and said “please, will you shut up?” — a remark that instantly provoked an outburst from Nwaebonyi.
“You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here,” Nwaebonyi told Ezekwesili.
Natasha, who is currently facing a recall process initiated by some of her constituents, took to X to commend Ezekwesili.
“Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership,” she wrote.
“Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations.
“A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero.”
In response, the former minister thanked Akpoti-Uduaghan for the kind words.
She added, “Yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that becomes.
“Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them.
“An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become.
“We all must refuse that for Nigeria.
“Meanwhile, the Senate has thrown out the petition filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing litigations in court.”
