On March 25, 2025, a Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions convened to address sexual harassment allegations levied by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The hearing escalated into a heated confrontation between Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili.
Background of the Allegations
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. She alleged that her subsequent suspension from the Senate was a retaliatory measure following her rejection of Akpabio's alleged advances.
The Senate, however, maintained that her suspension was due to disciplinary infractions, including refusal to sit in her assigned seat and making unauthorized remarks during sessions.
The Senate Committee Hearing
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions scheduled a hearing to investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili attended the hearing in solidarity with Akpoti-Uduaghan, aiming to testify on her behalf. Tensions arose when Ezekwesili and other attendees declined to take an oath before testifying, leading to a verbal altercation between her and Senator Nwebonyi.
The Confrontation
During the proceedings, Senator Nwebonyi directed derogatory remarks at Dr. Ezekwesili, stating, "You are an insult to womanhood; you are a disgrace to womanhood. People like you can never be here." Ezekwesili responded by calling Nwebonyi a "hooligan," further escalating the situation.
Adjournment of the Hearing
Following the confrontation, the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, announced the indefinite adjournment of the hearing, citing existing litigation related to the matter as the reason for the postponement. This decision effectively halted the committee's investigation into the allegations.
Reactions and Implications
Dr. Ezekwesili criticized the committee's decision, arguing that the Senate's internal rules should not override constitutional provisions. She emphasized the need for an independent panel to ensure a fair hearing for Akpoti-Uduaghan, expressing concerns over potential biases within the committee.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the conduct of public officials and the mechanisms in place to address allegations of misconduct within Nigeria's legislative framework. Women's rights groups have condemned the Senate's handling of the situation, highlighting concerns about gender inequality and the treatment of women in politics.
The altercation between Senator Nwebonyi and Dr. Ezekwesili during the Senate committee hearing underscores the complexities and challenges of addressing sexual harassment allegations within political institutions.
The incident has brought to light issues of procedural fairness, gender dynamics, and the need for transparent mechanisms to handle such sensitive matters. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Senate will address these concerns and what steps will be taken to ensure accountability and justice.