A DRAMATIC verbal altercation between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili at a Senate committee hearing has reignited discussions on legislative decorum and the role of public figures in governance.
The incident, which unfolded during the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing, has drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and the general public.
At the heart of the heated exchange was a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The hearing, expected to be a procedural review of the petition, took a confrontational turn when Ezekwesili, present as an observer, insisted on being heard.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Zubairu Yakubu, the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, raised concerns about the impartiality of the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen. Yakubu alleged that some members had pre-existing relationships with Akpabio, questioning the committee’s ability to handle the case fairly. His remarks sparked tension in the room, with lawmakers accusing him of attempting to discredit the proceedings.
As the session became increasingly heated, Ezekwesili requested to be placed under oath as a witness. However, a disagreement ensued over procedural formalities, leading to a confrontation with Nwaebonyi.
“I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria,” Ezekwesili asserted, standing her ground.
Her persistence seemingly irritated Nwaebonyi, who lashed out, 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.”
The confrontation escalated further when Ezekwesili fired back, calling Nwaebonyi a “hooligan,” prompting an outburst from the senator. The exchange temporarily disrupted the session before order was restored.
Nwaebonyi Stands by His Words
Following the incident, Nwaebonyi appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he justified his remarks, insisting that Ezekwesili had instigated the confrontation by addressing him disrespectfully.
“It started when she was asked to take an oath because she said she was a witness. She refused, saying she couldn’t be placed under oath. As I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan,’” he recounted.
He remained defiant when asked if he regretted his actions.
“How can I regret the scenario? I gave it to her. Is it fair for her to address me that way? As a former minister and a grandmother, ask her first,” he stated.
Nwaebonyi also dismissed concerns that his remarks were inappropriate for a sitting senator.
The clash between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili raises concerns about the level of civility in Nigeria’s legislative chambers. Over the years, incidents of verbal and even physical altercations among lawmakers have been reported, leading to questions about the ethical standards governing public officeholders.
In July 2021, during debates over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, tensions escalated in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, culminating in a physical altercation among lawmakers. The primary point of contention was Section 52(3) of the bill, which pertained to the electronic transmission of election results. This dispute underscored the deep divisions within the legislative body regarding electoral reforms.
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Analysts have expressed concerns that such public outbursts among lawmakers not only tarnish the credibility of the legislature but also divert attention from critical policy discussions. Samson Itodo, in his analysis of Nigeria’s Electoral Bill 2021, highlighted that the voting patterns indicated many legislators prioritized partisan interests over public welfare.
Public reaction to these incidents reflects a growing frustration with the political class, especially during periods when citizens anticipate leadership on pressing economic and governance issues.
Following the altercation, the committee chairman, Neda Imasuen, announced that the matter under review had already been taken to court, leading to an abrupt end to the hearing.
However, the incident remains a trending topic, with Nigerians weighing in on the conduct of both parties.
Some argue that Ezekwesili, as a former minister and a respected public figure, should have avoided a direct confrontation, while others believe Nwaebonyi’s outburst was unbecoming of a serving senator.
