Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has issued an apology to former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, following a tense exchange between Ezekwesili and Ebonyi North Senator, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, during a Senate committee session.
The incident occurred on Tuesday during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, where Akpoti-Uduaghan had lodged a fresh complaint against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Her petition accused Akpabio of defamation, intimidation, and sexual harassment.
Ezekwesili attended the session as a witness, accompanied by Abiola Akiode, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu.
The atmosphere grew tense when Nwaebonyi, representing Akpabio, frequently interrupted Ezekwesili’s statements. Frustrated, she responded by telling him to “compose himself and stop making noise” before adding, “please, will you shut up?”
In retaliation, Nwaebonyi called Ezekwesili a “fool” and accused her of being “an insult to womanhood.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly apologized to Ezekwesili, acknowledging the verbal attacks she endured.
“Ma’am, I apologize for the insults. Know that you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader,” she wrote. “You are a beacon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. Your unwavering dedication to good governance, education, and democracy remains an inspiration to many.”
She further praised Ezekwesili’s commitment to accountability and described her as a role model for Nigerians.