•Natasha and Ezekwesili
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has celebrated former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, for taking insults on her behalf at a Senate Committee panel yesterday.
In a post on X today, Akpoti-Uduaghan commended the former minister for being a champion of accountability and an icon of visionary leadership, reports Channels TV.
“Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.
“Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire generations. A champion of accountability. Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience, and selfless service. You are a hero,” she wrote.
Also on X, Ezekwesili replied, “A torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that becomes.
“Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them. An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never become.”
Yesterday, tempers flared at the panel sitting in Abuja when Ezekwesili and counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, represented the Kogi lawmaker before the Senate committee which began sitting over the sexual harassment allegations involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Just as the sitting began, a verbal clash ensued between a male lawmaker from Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwebonyi; and Ezekwesili. The shouting match resorted to unprintable name-calling and gender-shaming.
The rights activist accused Senator Nedamwem Imasuen who leads the committee of prejudice and argued that he should step down and not preside over the matter for the sake of justice and fairness.
Ezekwesili said she demanded public accountability at that historical function and that the society should not allow any group or persons no matter how powerful they are to shut the voices of accountability.
She accused the Senate of running away from the main issue of sexual harassment, an allegation levelled by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. Ezekwesili insisted that the suspended Kogi lawmaker must get justice.
The ex-minister said she is pleased that the incident is in the public domain and that she won’t accept any insubordination from any patriarchal entity.
