Tensions escalated during a Senate hearing on Tuesday as former Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Petitions clashed over the handling of a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The petition, which accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, was central to the heated debate. The case had already sparked political controversy after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate on March 6. The lawmaker had alleged that her suspension was retaliation for rejecting Akpabio’s purported sexual advances. This led to her submitting a petition to the Senate Committee, seeking justice for her claims.
The session quickly grew tense when the petitioner, Suberu Yakubu, accused the committee of bias. He questioned the impartiality of the committee, especially after comments made by the chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, suggesting the petition was “dead on arrival” before it was even properly heard.
Yakubu’s remarks further intensified the situation. He accused the committee members of being compromised due to their connections with Akpabio, and demanded that Imasuen step down from the case, claiming that the committee’s actions violated his right to a fair hearing.
Ezekwesili, who had accompanied the petitioner, also voiced her displeasure, insisting that she should be allowed to testify under oath. However, the senators were not receptive, and an exchange of insults broke out between Ezekwesili and Senator Peter Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North. Nwebonyi angrily berated Ezekwesili, calling her an “insult to womanhood” and telling her she had no place in the proceedings. Ezekwesili, undeterred, demanded her right to speak, asserting, “I am a citizen of Nigeria.”
The session descended into chaos, and Senator Patrick Ndubueze of Imo West intervened, calling for calm. He urged the parties to maintain decorum, reminding them that the Senate was a place for serious deliberations, not for petty squabbles.
Amid the confrontation, the committee adjourned the hearing indefinitely, citing ongoing court cases involving both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan was also discussed, with concerns raised over her absence from the hearing.
After the adjournment, Ezekwesili criticized the Senate’s handling of the matter, accusing the body of disregarding constitutional principles in favor of internal rules. She questioned the Senate’s credibility and called for an independent review of the case, given the perceived bias within the committee.
Ezekwesili argued, “The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice.”
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) addressed the petition for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, highlighting that the petitioners had failed to meet the necessary guidelines. INEC pointed out that the petition lacked proper contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses, and criticized the vague address provided for the petitioners.
INEC emphasized that for a recall process to proceed, petitioners must adhere to legal requirements, including providing verifiable contact details. The commission assured the public that once the guidelines were met, the recall process would proceed as required by law.
The petition for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall, filed by constituents from Kogi Central, called for her removal due to accusations of misconduct, abuse of office, and deceit. This development adds another layer to the ongoing political drama surrounding the suspended lawmaker.
The situation has garnered widespread attention, with political figures, including those from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s party, accusing Senate President Akpabio of orchestrating the recall plot. However, some constituents have dismissed the recall effort as fraudulent, citing potential discrepancies in the petition’s signatures.
As the legal and political battles continue, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, the sexual harassment petition, and the recall efforts remains unresolved, leaving many to wonder how the Senate will handle the increasing pressure for accountability.
