Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has been urged to apologize for his remarks against Oby Ezekwesili by former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jr. and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attorney Ifeanyi Ejiofor.
During Tuesday’s Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment claim against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ezekwesili and Senator Nwaebonyi reportedly got into a heated argument.
According to Nweke, Ezekwesili, the former minister of education, has the authority to hold public servants accountable.
“During a public hearing on a sexual harassment allegation made by Natasha Akpoti against Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi used derogatory language against Oby Ezekwesili, which I find horrifying and completely condemn.” Like all Nigerians, Oby Ezekwesili is entitled to hold public servants responsible. Today’s violence illustrates how male public figures view Nigerian women after elections and supports the lived realities of women in leadership roles.
“No citizen, including women, should face harassment or dehumanization for calling for accountability, which is essential to carrying out their official responsibilities. Public servants need to keep in mind that our kids are seeing and picking up on their behavior.
As husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons to women, we must all feel indignant by such disrespectful public outbursts. He claimed that the growing dysfunction in our public institutions undermines participatory democracy and has a negative impact on society.
For his part, Ejiofor urged the Senate to discipline the senator from Ebonyi North. He called on the Senate to maintain the values of accountability, integrity, and respect.
“At yesterday’s Senate Committee hearing, I watched with great disappointment the now-viral video of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing the Ebonyi North Senatorial District, committing a heinous act of verbal abuse and disruptive behavior against the respected former Minister of Education, Madam Oby Ezekwesili, also known as Madam Due Process.
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“No public official should denigrate their position with such behavior, much less a senator charged with legislative duties. Senator Nwebonyi would already be facing severe disciplinary action, including suspension, in a culture where responsibility is valued. How did we arrive here?
One day, posterity will have to hold them responsible.
“I urge the Senate’s leadership to act swiftly and forcefully to stop this egregious misbehavior. Given his publicly expressed views on the subject, Senator Nwebonyi should be barred from taking part in any conclusions, discussions, or investigations pertaining to Natasha because of his extreme bias.
“The Senate needs to step up and make sure that this culture of impunity is addressed directly. According to his remark, “The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and accountability.”
