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Natasha vs Akpabio: Senator Nwaebonyi, Ezekwesili Clash on National TV

Published

4 days ago

Mar 26, 2025.

Tense Exchange: A Senate hearing on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio turned chaotic after a heated argument between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Minister Oby Ezekwesili.
Verbal Clash: The dispute began when Ezekwesili intervened during the proceedings, prompting Nwaebonyi to lash out, calling her a “fool,” while Ezekwesili fired back, labeling him a “hooligan.”
Adjournment: The heated confrontation briefly halted proceedings before the committee chairman announced the matter was already in court, leading to an abrupt adjournment.

A heated argument broke out on Tuesday between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate committee hearing on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.

The disagreement happened while the committee was reviewing a new petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Oby Ezekwesili attended the hearing with Abiola Akiode, the lawyer representing Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu.

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Tensions rose when Yakubu tried to speak while the committee chairman, Neda Imaseun, was talking.

He was asked to mute his microphone, which led Ezekwesili to step in. This prompted an interruption from Nwaebonyi, who was present to support Akpabio, leading to a heated exchange.

“Compose yourself and stop making noise,” Ezekwesili told Nwaebonyi.

Angered by the remark, Nwaebonyi replied, “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 called him a “hooligan,” which further escalated the argument and briefly halted the hearing.