A heated confrontation erupted at the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions session.
The altercation involved Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.
The verbal clash occurred during the hearing of a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Background to the Dispute
The session was convened to address concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
The petition alleged a lack of neutrality in the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen’s handling of the case. Yakubu argued that Imasuen had made public statements suggesting a predetermined stance on the case, thereby questioning the fairness of the hearing.
“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” Yakubu asked.
Yakubu also alleged that certain committee members had prior affiliations with Akpabio, further compromising the impartiality of the proceedings.
His comments sparked tension within the committee, with some lawmakers perceiving them as an attack on the credibility of the Senate.
Ezekwesili’s Intervention and Heated Exchange
As tensions escalated, Ezekwesili sought to speak in her capacity as a concerned citizen and potential witness. However, some senators viewed her intervention as an attempt to disrupt proceedings.
“I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria,” she asserted.
This led to a fiery confrontation with Senator Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, 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.”
Ezekwesili immediately fired back, calling Nwaebonyi a “hooligan.” The heated exchange momentarily disrupted the session, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings before calm was restored.
Calls for Order and Adjournment
Following the confrontation, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, representing Imo West, stepped in to call for order. He condemned the unruly behavior and reminded the attendees of the need for decorum in legislative proceedings.
“We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy,” Ndubueze stated.
He further emphasized the procedural rules of the committee, stressing that all participants must be formally recognized before speaking.
“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognized before you speak. That is the rule. We cannot just jump to answer questions because you are a petitioner. This is a Standing Committee,” he added.
Given the charged atmosphere, Senator Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely. He cited the pending court case involving both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife as well as the absence of key individuals who were expected to defend their claims.
Ezekwesili’s Criticism of the Senate
Following the adjournment, Ezekwesili addressed journalists, condemning what she described as the Senate’s disregard for constitutional provisions. She argued that the Senate had placed its internal rules above the laws of the land.
“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” she said.
She further criticized the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, stating that it was executed without due legal process. She warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent where procedural technicalities could be used to sideline critical cases and suppress justice.
“If a petitioner says they do not believe the Senate committee will give them a fair hearing due to clear bias, it is only just that an independent body reviews the matter,” she stated.
Ezekwesili concluded by warning that continued disregard for constitutional provisions by legislative bodies could erode democratic principles in Nigeria. She called for greater accountability and transparency in handling petitions, particularly those involving serious allegations such as sexual harassment.
Implications of the Clash
The altercation has further fueled public skepticism about the impartiality of the Nigerian Senate in handling sensitive cases.
Many political analysts believe that the conflict reflects broader issues within Nigeria’s legislative processes, particularly regarding the balance between internal rules and constitutional law.
Civil society organizations have since weighed in on the matter, with some calling for an independent review of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition to ensure justice is served.
As the debate rages on, the question remains: Will the Senate heed calls for greater fairness, or will internal politics continue to overshadow the pursuit of justice?
