Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has extended an apology to former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili after a heated exchange occurred between Ezekwesili and Ebonyi North Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi during a session of the Senate committee.
This incident occurred on Tuesday during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, where Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a new grievance against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her complaint accused Akpabio of defamation, intimidation, and sexual harassment.
Ezekwesili was present at the meeting as a witness, accompanied by Abiola Akiode, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu. Tensions escalated when Nwaebonyi, who represents Akpabio, persistently interrupted Ezekwesili’s comments. Annoyed, she retorted by asking him to “compose himself and stop making noise,” and added, “Please, will you shut up?”
In response, Nwaebonyi referred to Ezekwesili as a “fool” and claimed she was “an insult to womanhood.”
On Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly express her apology to Ezekwesili, recognizing the verbal abuse she faced.
“Ma’am, I apologize for the insults. Please understand that you bore them for me… for us… as a mother and a leader,” she posted. “You are a symbol of integrity, bravery, and visionary leadership. Your steadfast commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire many.”
She also commended Ezekwesili’s dedication to accountability and characterized her as a role model for Nigerians.
