Kogi, Nigeria – On March 26, 2025, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly apologised to former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili following a heated confrontation during a Senate Committee hearing. The hearing was focused on a petition Akpoti-Uduaghan filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where she has accused him of intimidation and harassment.
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday when Ezekwesili, alongside Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel Abiola Akiode and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu, prepared to present their case. The atmosphere turned tense as Ebonyi North Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, appearing as a witness for Akpabio, repeatedly interrupted Ezekwesili.
Ezekwesili, known for her staunch advocacy for education and governance, urged Nwaebonyi to maintain decorum, stating, “Please, will you shut up?” This prompted Nwaebonyi to retaliate aggressively, 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.”
After the clash, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to social media to express her remorse for the insults directed towards Ezekwesili. In her post, she commended Ezekwesili for her dedication to good governance and her role as a leader. “Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader,” she wrote. “A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero.”
The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Senate, revealing a culture of hostility that some lawmakers face. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Akpabio raise critical issues about workplace conduct and gender dynamics in politics.
As the fallout from this confrontation continues, both Senators and their supporters await the outcomes of the ongoing committee hearings and the implications for governance in Nigeria.
