A dramatic and heated exchange broke out between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a high-profile Senate hearing. The clash occurred in the National Assembly during a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, where lawmakers were deliberating on a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The session was attended by key stakeholders, including Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, Abiola Akiode, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu, who was present to provide his testimony.
Tensions began to rise when Yakubu attempted to speak while Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen was still addressing the assembly. In an effort to maintain order, Yakubu was asked to mute his microphone, but this moment sparked the beginning of a fiery confrontation between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili.
When Ezekwesili tried to intervene in the situation, Nwaebonyi abruptly cut her off, refusing to let her speak. Annoyed by his actions, Ezekwesili did not hold back and sharply rebuked him, saying, “Comport yourself and stop making noise.”
Her statement did not sit well with Nwaebonyi, who immediately fired back in anger, saying: “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.”
His harsh remarks further escalated the already heated situation, prompting Ezekwesili to respond with equal intensity, calling him a “hooligan.” The exchange quickly turned into a war of words, momentarily disrupting the session as other lawmakers and attendees watched the drama unfold.
Despite efforts to restore calm, the confrontation continued for some moments before order was finally re-established. However, the proceedings took an unexpected turn when Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen later declared that the petition was already before a court, leading to an abrupt adjournment of the hearing.
The intense verbal altercation between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili has since sparked widespread reactions across various platforms. Many observers have expressed disappointment over the lack of decorum displayed during the hearing, criticizing both parties for engaging in a public dispute in such an important legislative setting.
The incident has further fueled discussions on the handling of the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as well as the overall conduct of Nigerian lawmakers in addressing serious issues brought before them.
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