Senator Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili Engage in Heated Exchange During Senate Hearing

A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the National Assembly during a Senate Committee hearing on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. The session, centered on a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, took an unexpected turn when Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North clashed with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.

The tense moment arose when petitioner Zubairu Yakubu attempted to speak while Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen was addressing the room. Yakubu was asked to mute his microphone, but when Ezekwesili tried to intervene, Senator Nwaebonyi aggressively cut her off.

Verbal Clash Erupts

Frustrated by the interruption, Ezekwesili snapped at Nwaebonyi, saying, “Comport yourself and stop making noise.” Her remark triggered an angry response from the senator, who lashed out, 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 fired back, calling Nwaebonyi a “hooligan,” further escalating the heated exchange.

Session Disrupted, Then Adjourned

The confrontation momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was eventually restored. However, Chairman Imasuen later announced that the petition was already before a court, leading to an abrupt adjournment.

Public Reactions

The fiery exchange has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians criticizing the lack of decorum displayed during the hearing. Some have called for higher standards of conduct among public officials, while others see the incident as a reflection of deeper tensions within the Senate.

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