Nwaebonyi Under Fire as Ex-Minister Nweke, IPOB’s Lawyer Disagree Over Ezekwesili

Former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jr. and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attorney Ifeanyi Ejiofor have urged Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to apologize for his remarks against Oby Ezekwesili.
Ezekwesili and Senator Nwaebonyi reportedly argued at Tuesday’s Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili, the former minister of education, has the authority to hold public servants accountable, according to Nweke.

“I completely condemn and am horrified by 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.” Oby Ezekwesili has the same right to hold public authorities responsible as any other Nigerian. The violence on exhibit today mirrors the perception of Nigerian women by male public officials after elections and supports the lived experiences of women in leadership roles.

“No woman or citizen should face harassment or dehumanization for calling for accountability, which is essential to carrying out the responsibilities of the position. It is important for public leaders to keep in mind that our kids are seeing and picking up on their behavior.

Such public contempt must infuriate us all as husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons to women. Participatory democracy is undermined and society is negatively impacted by the growing dysfunction in our public institutions, he stated.

According to Ejiofor, the Senate ought to discipline the senator from Ebonyi North. The Senate should maintain the ethos of responsibility, integrity, and respect, he argued.

“I was extremely 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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It is unacceptable for any public figure, especially a senator who is charged with enacting laws, to act in such a way. In a nation that values accountability, Senator Nwebonyi would already be subject to severe disciplinary action, which may include suspension. What brought us here?
One day, they will have to answer to posterity.

“In response to this egregious wrongdoing, I urge the Senate leadership to act swiftly and decisively. Given Senator Nwebonyi’s publicly expressed bias against Natasha, he ought to be barred from taking part in any conclusions, discussions, or investigations pertaining to the topic.

It is imperative that the Senate step up and make sure that this culture of impunity is addressed squarely. According to his remark, the Nigerian people are entitled to a legislature that respects the principles of accountability, integrity, and respect.