ABUJA, Nigeria – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has publicly apologized to former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili following a heated altercation between Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The confrontation occurred during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which was discussing a fresh petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has repeatedly accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, a matter that has added to the tensions in the Senate.
Ezekwesili, who appeared as a witness at the hearing alongside Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Abiola Akiode, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu, became involved in a verbal exchange when Nwaebonyi, the deputy chief whip of the Senate and a witness for Akpabio, interrupted her repeatedly.
Ezekwesili, visibly frustrated, asked Nwaebonyi to “compose himself and stop making noise,” before urging him to “please, shut up.”
Nwaebonyi responded angrily, calling Ezekwesili a “fool” and accusing her of insulting womanhood. “People like you cannot be here,” he told the former minister.
The altercation quickly escalated, and Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently facing a recall process initiated by some of her constituents, took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a heartfelt apology to Ezekwesili.
In her message, she expressed gratitude for Ezekwesili’s courage and leadership in standing up during the confrontation.
“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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote. “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations. A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero,” she wrote.
