A routine Senate Ethics Committee hearing escalated into a heated confrontation on Tuesday as Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North exchanged harsh words with former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.
What began as an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio quickly shifted focus as tempers flared between the two figures.
The tension escalated when Nwebonyi, visibly incensed, called Ezekwesili an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” His remarks followed an earlier verbal spat in which he alleged that Ezekwesili had insulted him first.
Appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television program, Nwebonyi defended his actions, claiming he had only responded in kind.
“It began when she was asked to take an oath as a witness, which she refused. I expressed my willingness to be sworn in and present evidence. While I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan,’” he recounted.
The senator insisted that his response was warranted. “For a grandmother, a former minister of the Federal Republic, to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan—how is that fair?” he argued.
Despite public outcry, Nwebonyi remained unapologetic. “I respect her as a woman, but I gave it back to her,” he stated firmly. “Why should I regret my reaction? Ask her first if her behavior was appropriate.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate, adding further drama to the already controversial hearing. The Senate Ethics Committee has yet to release an official statement on the altercation.
