Oby Ezekwesili defends Senate clash, calls it defining moment for women’s voices

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly defended her verbal confrontation with Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North Senatorial District, describing it as a crucial moment that exposes the systemic suppression of women in male-dominated spaces.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Ezekwesili expressed satisfaction with how the incident unfolded; emphasizing that it had drawn public attention to the persistent marginalization of women in politics and governance.

“I was very pleased with what happened yesterday because now it is in the public domain what women endure in many instances,” Ezekwesili stated.

“The rest of society may have some awareness of it, but it has not been fully confronted. Now, it is at the forefront of our public agenda that we should not allow a society that shuts down voices.”

The altercation took place during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing regarding a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ezekwesili attended the session alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, legal counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Zubairu Yakubu, the chief petitioner representing Kogi Central.

Tensions heightened when Yakubu requested that Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen recuse himself, citing concerns over the impartiality of some committee members due to their affiliations with Akpabio.

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This request drew sharp criticism from several lawmakers, who accused Yakubu of undermining the integrity of the committee’s proceedings.

Ezekwesili soon became a target of similar criticisms, with some senators arguing that she was attempting to assert undue influence over the hearing. She, however, remained resolute in her demand to be heard.

“I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria,” she firmly stated during the session.

The hearing took a dramatic turn when Senator Nwaebonyi lashed out at Ezekwesili, 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.”

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In response, Ezekwesili did not back down, firing back at Nwaebonyi and calling him a “hooligan.” The intense exchange momentarily disrupted the proceedings before order was restored.

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The incident has since ignited a national debate, with many Nigerians weighing in on its broader implications. While some have condemned Nwaebonyi’s remarks as emblematic of deep-seated misogyny within Nigeria’s political establishment, others have called for greater decorum in legislative settings.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a human rights lawyer who was present at the hearing, criticized the treatment of Ezekwesili, stating, “This was a classic example of the silencing tactics used against women in politics. The kind of resistance she faced for simply speaking up demonstrates how much work still needs to be done in advancing gender equity.”

Conversely, political analyst Dr. John Uche argued that legislative proceedings must be conducted with mutual respect.

“While Ezekwesili has a valid point about women’s voices being sidelined, the manner in which exchanges occur in the Senate must uphold decorum. Both sides could have handled it better.”

Following the confrontation, several women’s rights organizations have renewed their calls for greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s legislative and political processes.

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) released a statement condemning the verbal attacks on Ezekwesili and advocating for increased representation of women in government.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources suggest that internal discussions are underway to prevent future disruptions and ensure more structured engagements in committee hearings.

For Ezekwesili, the heated exchange was not just about personal affronts but a defining moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s inclusion in governance.

“This is not about me. It is about every Nigerian woman who has been told to keep quiet. The message is clear—we will no longer accept being silenced,” she declared.

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