Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan apologized to former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, for the verbal abuse Ezekwesili endured during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing. The hearing addressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During the session, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi called Ezekwesili “an insult to womanhood” after she told him to “shut up.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her gratitude to Ezekwesili on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologize 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. 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.”
Ezekwesili responded, thanking Akpoti-Uduaghan and emphasizing her commitment to creating a better future for women. She stated, “Yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that becomes. Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them. An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become. We all must refuse that for Nigeria.”
The Senate Ethics Committee ultimately dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, citing ongoing legal proceedings related to the case.