Breaking News: Insinuating our Team were Unserious Triggered the Exchange
Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has recounted the events that led to her heated exchange with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing.
Ezekwesili who spoke on Arise Television explained that the committee’s tone shifted when members implied that the petitioners were not taking the proceedings seriously.
“The word they used was that we do serious things here. We don’t have time for unserious things. At that point, I raised my hand and said that was a wrong choice of words. We are not unserious people, and this is a serious matter,” she said.
She further stated that the committee’s decision to halt proceedings due to the ongoing court case was a clear indication of the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice in Nigeria’s public institutions.
“It’s a classic case of the system being stacked against the ordinary person. The fact that the case is sub judice is not a reason to dismiss the petition outright. It’s a reason to ensure that the petition is given the attention it deserves,” Ezekwesili emphasized.
When asked about her reaction to Senator Nwaebonyi’s comment, Ezekwesili said, “I was taken aback by the senator’s statement. It was clear that he was trying to intimidate us into dropping the petition. But I will not be intimidated. I will continue to speak out against injustice and fight for the rights of marginalized individuals.”
Ezekwesili also praised the petitioner, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for her courage and determination in seeking justice.
“Natasha is a heroic young woman who embodies the kind of clarity and determination that we need more of in our country. She is an example of what we should be encouraging our young people to be – fearless, outspoken, and committed to justice,” Ezekwesili said.
The interview provided a unique insight into the events that unfolded at the Senate hearing and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking justice in Nigeria’s public institutions. Ezekwesili’s passion and commitment to fighting for justice were evident throughout the interview, and her message served as a call to action for Nigerians to demand more accountability and transparency from their leaders.
