Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili clashed during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The hearing focused on a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Tension escalated when Zubairu Yakubu, representing Akpoti-Uduaghan, questioned the neutrality of Chairman Neda Imasuen. He said Imasuen had already taken sides and should step down. He also accused some committee members of having ties to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Yakubu argued that these relationships could influence the outcome. He insisted the committee could not be trusted to act fairly.
Ezekwesili Insists on Speaking
Oby Ezekwesili joined the hearing to support the petition. She asked to speak under oath and cited her right as a Nigerian citizen.
Some lawmakers disagreed. They accused her of interrupting the session. However, Ezekwesili stood her ground and demanded to be heard.
Senator Nwaebonyi responded angrily. He called her a fool and claimed she disrespected womanhood. Ezekwesili called him a hooligan in return. The hearing stopped briefly as the argument grew loud.
Senators Call for Calm
Senator Patrick Ndubueze urged everyone to remain calm. He reminded the room that the Senate must maintain order and dignity.
He told Yakubu that doubting the committee’s integrity was unfair. He stressed that everyone must follow the rules before speaking.
Hearing Ends Abruptly
Chairman Imasuen ended the hearing. He said the case involved ongoing court matters. He also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent.
He explained that the committee could not proceed without all parties present.
Ezekwesili Criticizes the Senate
After the session, Ezekwesili addressed reporters. She said the Senate ignored the Constitution and hid behind internal rules.
She condemned the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it unlawful. She said the Senate used technicalities to avoid real issues.
Ezekwesili called for independent investigations into serious petitions. She warned that ignoring the Constitution weakens democracy.
She urged lawmakers to respect citizens and uphold justice. She ended by calling on Nigerians to protect democratic values.
