Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, engaged in a contentious argument during a senate hearing on Tuesday.
The altercation took place during a hearing on a new petition filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Ezekwesili attended the hearing with Zubairu Yakubu, the lead petitioner from Kogi Central, and Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attorney.
“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” Yakubu questioned.
Ezekwesili also faced criticism for what they perceived as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings, but she insisted on being heard.
He also claimed that some committee members had prior relationships with Akpabio, which he claimed hindered their ability to be impartial.
His comments infuriated some lawmakers, who accused him of trying to damage the committee’s reputation.
She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.”
This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, 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 called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.
The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
After the tension was quenched, the senator representing Imo West, Senator Patrick Ndubueze asked for peace before addressing the committee.
“We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.
“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognised before you speak. That is the rule. We cannot just jump to answer questions because you are a petitioner. This is a Standing Committee,” he said
However, Imasuen postponed the session indefinitely following remarks that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan had a case in court and the absence of the Kogi senator to defend her claim.
Addressing the media following the session, Ezekwesili branded the Senate’s approach as a blatant breach of the Nigerian Constitution and legal framework.
She lambasted the committee for insisting that Senate regulations take precedence over constitutional principles, especially when it comes to petitions and disciplinary measures.
“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” Ezekwesili stated.
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She also referenced the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that it was carried out without due regard for constitutional provisions.
“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing—using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues,” she said.
She added, “If a petitioner says they do not believe the Senate committee will give them a fair hearing due to clear bias, it is only just that an independent body reviews the matter.”
She also warned that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent where internal rules override the Constitution.
“The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice,” she said.
