There was drama in the Senate on Tuesday during the hearing of a petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a former minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi had a heated exchange during the hearing.
The clash occurred at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
Trouble started when the petitioner urge the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.
“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 questioned.
He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral.
His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.
Yakubu was asked to mute his microphone, leading to Ezekwesili’s intervention. However, Nwebonyi, a witness for Akpabio, interjected, prompting a heated exchange with the former education minister.
Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings.
Ezekwesili told the lawmaker to compose himself, sparking an outburst from Senator Nwebonyi.
READ ALSO: Rivers State Head Of Service Nwaeke Resigns as sole administrator appoints new SSG
However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out.
She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.”
This led to a heated argument with 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 called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.
The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
Infuriated, the Senator accused her of being disrespectful.
The heated exchange disrupted the hearing before order was finally restored.
After the tension was doused, the legislator representing Imo West, Senator Patrick Ndubueze appealed for calm before addressing the committee.
“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.
“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognised 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 said
However, Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely following observations that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan have a case in court and the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to defend her allegation.
“Therefore, this matter is closed here at the senate, and it is adjourned sine die,” he said.
