Senator Nwaebonyi, Ezekwesili clash at senate hearing over Natasha’s petition

A heated exchange erupted between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on Tuesday.

The session was convened to consider a fresh petition filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Ezekwesili, who attended the hearing alongside Abiola Akiode, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu, reportedly clashed with Senator Nwaebonyi over issues raised during the proceedings.

Trouble started when Yakubu attempted to speak while Senate Committee Chairman, Neda Imaseun, was addressing the room.

He was asked to mute his microphone, but when Ezekwesili tried to intervene, Nwaebonyi interrupted her.

In response, Ezekwesili told the senator to “compose himself and stop making noise,” a remark that sparked an angry outburst.

“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 replied Ezekwesili.

Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.

The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.

Shortly after, Imaseun announced that the matter was already before a court of law, bringing the session to an abrupt end.