The Feminist Group Attended a Senate Committee on Ethics Meeting to Create Chaos.

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North and serving as the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, was present at the hearing to defend Senate President Godswill Akpabio against sexual harassment allegations from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Nwaebonyi described the tumultuous hearing as stemming from his belief that he was provoked by former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, claiming his reaction was justified. He asserted that the conflict arose when Ezekwesili and her associates, including petitioner Zubairu Yakubu and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer Abiola Akiyode, interrupted the proceedings.

Specifically, he noted that tensions escalated when Yakubu attempted to speak over the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, and was asked to mute his microphone. When Ezekwesili intervened on behalf of Yakubu, Nwaebonyi felt compelled to step in, perceiving her actions as disrespectful to the committee’s proceedings.

Nwaebonyi claimed that Ezekwesili directly insulted him by calling him a “hooligan” and telling him to “shut up,” despite his position as a senator. He viewed this as an unprovoked attack on his dignity and authority. In retaliation, he acknowledged calling Ezekwesili a “fool,” branding her as an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” He justified his outburst by emphasizing that he felt disrespected by someone of her stature, noting her age, former ministerial role, and status as a mother and grandmother. In a post-hearing interview with Channels Television, he stated he felt “no regrets” about his response.

He questioned how Ezekwesili could speak to a senator in such a way and deemed her behavior inappropriate for her status, remarking, “For a mother of your age and a former minister to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan, that’s unacceptable.”

In addition to the altercation, Nwaebonyi has been a strong supporter of Akpabio’s defense against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, deeming the sexual harassment claims unfounded and politically charged. He defended Akpabio by stating that he witnessed Akpabio’s visit to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home in 2023, insisting that no inappropriate behavior occurred.

He questioned, “How could a rational man woo a woman in front of her husband and over 20 senators? It never happened!” Nwaebonyi also dismissed claims that the Senate intended to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan, pointing out her ongoing legislative work as proof that she has not been silenced.

Nwaebonyi views the disruptions during the hearing as a calculated effort by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, including Ezekwesili, to undermine the Senate’s authority and advocate a victim narrative. He sees himself as upholding order and defending his colleague Akpabio against what he perceives as unfounded accusations. Furthermore, he criticized Ezekwesili’s refusal to take an oath as a witness despite her claims, interpreting it as a deliberate disregard for Senate rules.

In conclusion, Senator Nwaebonyi maintains that he was reacting to provocation from Ezekwesili, whom he accuses of disrespecting him and undermining the Senate’s processes. He firmly defends Akpabio and outright denies the harassment claims, viewing the chaos in the hearing as a strategic initiative by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allies rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. His lack of regret emphasizes his belief that, despite his heated conduct, his response was appropriate in light of the affront to his character and the institution he serves.