Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has apologised to former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, after the latter engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
The altercation occurred at the Senate Ethics Committee hearing on the sexual harassment allegations Akpoti-Uduaghan leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During the session, Nwaebonyi lashed out at Ezekwesili, saying, “You’re an insult to womanhood,” after she told him to “shut up.”
Reacting on X on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her gratitude and apology to Ezekwesili.
“Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader,” she wrote.
She described Ezekwesili as a symbol of integrity and resilience, adding, “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire generations. Nigerians appreciate you. You are a hero.”
In response, Ezekwesili thanked Akpoti-Uduaghan for the kind words, noting that enduring insults was a small price to pay in the fight for justice.
“An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become. We all must refuse that for Nigeria,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, the Senate dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio, citing ongoing court litigations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 14, shortly after she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
However, the Senate stated that her suspension was due to allegations of false claims and misleading the public regarding legislative procedures. Her suspension has sparked public outcry, with rights groups calling for her reinstatement and an independent investigation into her allegations.
