On Wednesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took to X to issue a heartfelt apology to Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, following a verbal confrontation between Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi at a Senate Ethics Committee hearing.
In her tweet, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her gratitude for Ezekwesili’s unwavering support, writing, “Dr. @obyezeks , Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s message continued to praise Dr. Ezekwesili for her commitment to good governance, education, and democracy, adding, “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations,” stating that Nigerians appreciate her efforts.
Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded the message by celebrating Ezekwesili as a hero, pointing to her resilience and selfless service.
The tweet came in response to a heated incident at the Senate hearing on Tuesday.
According to Channels Television, the confrontation occurred during proceedings related to sexual harassment allegations involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During the hearing, Senator Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North Senatorial District directed derogatory remarks at Dr. Ezekwesili, calling her an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.”
The verbal clash escalated as Nwebonyi accused Ezekwesili of insulting him during the exchange.
Speaking about the incident on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Senator Nwebonyi recounted his side of the confrontation.
He claimed that the altercation began when Ezekwesili refused to take an oath as a witness, citing her unwillingness to swear an oath.
Nwebonyi explained that he had offered to take an oath to present his own evidence, to which Ezekwesili reportedly responded by calling him a “hooligan” and telling him to “shut up.”