ABUJA, Nigeria – A heated confrontation unfolded on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during a Senate committee hearing on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili engaged in a sharp exchange of words.
The altercation occurred during a session that was deliberating a new petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili, who was present alongside Abiola Akiode, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu, was drawn into the dispute when tensions escalated over the speaking order within the committee.
The incident began when Yakubu attempted to speak while committee chairman Neda Imaseun was addressing the panel.
Upon being instructed to mute his microphone, Ezekwesili intervened, defending Yakubu’s right to speak.
This prompted a strong interjection from Senator Nwaebonyi, who was present as a witness for Akpabio, leading to an exchange of heated words.
“Compose yourself and stop making noise,” Ezekwesili said to Nwaebonyi, visibly frustrated by his interruptions.
Nwaebonyi, responding angrily, retorted, “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.”
The former minister, undeterred, called Nwaebonyi a “hooligan,” further escalating the confrontation and momentarily halting the proceedings.
As the altercation subsided, order was restored, and Imaseun announced that the matter was now before the courts.
