Nwaebonyi’s Comments on Ezekwesili Spark Reactions from Ex-Minister Nweke, IPOB’s Lawyer
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attorney, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jr. have urged Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to apologize for his remarks against Oby Ezekwesili.
Senator Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili reportedly argued during Tuesday’s Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Nweke asserted that Ezekwesili, the previous minister of education, had the authority to hold public servants accountable.
“I am horrified and completely condemn the derogatory language used by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi against Oby Ezekwesili during a public hearing on the sexual harassment allegation made against Senator Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti.” Every Nigerian, including Oby Ezekwesili, has the right to demand accountability from public servants. The violence on display today reflects the perception of Nigerian women by male public officials 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 must keep in mind that our kids are observing and picking up on their behavior.
As spouses, fathers, brothers, and sons of women, we must all feel indignant at such disrespectful public outbursts. According to him, the growing dysfunction in our public institutions undermines participatory democracy and has a detrimental impact on society.
Ejiofor himself urged the Senate to discipline the senator from Ebonyi North. He called on the Senate to preserve the values of accountability, integrity, and respect.
“I was deeply disappointed to see the now-viral video of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represents 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, during a Senate Committee hearing yesterday.
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“No public figure should denigrate their position with such behavior, much less a senator charged with legislative duties. Senator Nwebonyi would already be subject to severe disciplinary measures, such as suspension, in a culture where responsibility is valued. How did we get ourselves here?
Someday, posterity will have to hold them responsible.
“I urge the Senate leadership to act swiftly and forcefully to stop this egregious misbehavior. Given his publicly stated stance on the subject, Senator Nwebonyi should be barred from taking part in any conclusions, discussions, or investigations pertaining to Natasha due to his extreme bias.
The Senate needs to step up and make sure that this culture of impunity is addressed directly. According to the statement, “The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and accountability.”
