A heated confrontation erupted on Tuesday between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate committee session on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.
The dispute arose as the committee reviewed a new petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili attended the hearing alongside Abiola Akiode, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu. Tensions escalated when Yakubu attempted to speak while the committee chairman, Neda Imaseun, was addressing the panel. He was instructed to mute his microphone, prompting Ezekwesili to intervene.
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However, Nwaebonyi, present as a witness for Akpabio, interjected, sparking a verbal altercation. Ezekwesili told him, “Compose yourself and stop making noise.”
Offended by the remark, Nwaebonyi lashed out, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you speaking to me like that? I will not tolerate this. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you shouldn’t be here.”
Ezekwesili retaliated by calling him a *“hooligan,”* further escalating the clash and momentarily disrupting the proceedings.
Order was eventually restored, after which Imaseun announced that the matter was already before a court. Consequently, the hearing was abruptly adjourned.
