Igbo Community Demands Apology from Sen. Nwebonyi Over Verbal Assault on Ezekwesili The Igbo Community Association FCT has issued a strong demand for Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, to publicly apologize to former Minister of Education, Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, for making derogatory remarks about her at the National Assembly. The association warned that failure to tender a public apology would result in mass protests against the senator. This call was made in an official statement released by the President-General of the Igbo Community Association FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and shared with journalists on Thursday. Condemning the Disrespectful Remarks In the statement, the group expressed deep disappointment over the senator’s actions, describing them as an affront to both Oby Ezekwesili and the broader Igbo community. “It is disgraceful to witness a sitting senator openly insult a woman who is widely regarded as an Amazon by Nigerians, especially within the Igbo-speaking regions,” the statement read. The group further emphasized that the timing of the attack was particularly troubling, as it occurred during a Senate hearing on Senator Natasha Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations. “This incident highlights the lack of respect that the Senate, dominated by men, exhibits toward women. It sends the wrong message about the treatment of women in Nigeria’s political space,” the statement added. Calls for Sanctions and Protests The association urged the Senate to take disciplinary action against Senator Nwebonyi, labeling him “an embarrassment to the red chamber and to Igbo men.” “The senator must apologize, not only to Oby Ezekwesili but to the entire Igbo community. We, the Igbo people in Abuja, demand a public apology, or we will be left with no choice but to take action,” the group asserted. Highlighting Ezekwesili’s distinguished service to Nigeria, the association insisted that she did not deserve such disrespect. “We are prepared to organize a large-scale protest against the Senate’s unfair treatment of women. This behavior must not go unchallenged.” For further updates on Nigeria’s Senate proceedings, visit Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
ABUJA – Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), stating that her actions may negatively impact the inclusion of women in high-ranking political positions in Nigeria. During a plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio expressed concerns that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach to her allegations against him could have far-reaching consequences for women seeking leadership roles in governance. “When this matter began, she initially submitted it as a petition to the Senate but did not allow deliberation before taking it to court. Even then, she escalated it to the international stage before the judiciary could resolve it,” Akpabio stated. Drawing a comparison, he said it would be similar to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris accusing President Joe Biden of misconduct over a mere handshake, potentially setting a precedent discouraging female appointments. Despite his concerns, Akpabio urged politicians not to let one individual’s actions affect opportunities for others, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring a fair playing field for women, including his four daughters. Senate Passes Vote of Confidence in Akpabio Following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for misconduct and her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, the Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his leadership on Tuesday. The motion was raised by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) under Senate Rules Orders 40 and 51. Bamidele dismissed claims that the Senate ignored sexual harassment allegations, clarifying that no formal report was submitted between August 2023 and now. The Ethics and Privileges Committee had only reviewed a petition regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s breach of Senate regulations. Akpabio Criticizes Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal to International Bodies Akpabio also criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for externalizing the issue by presenting her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she alleged that her suspension was retaliation for speaking against sexual harassment. “She left the chamber and went on Brekete Radio and Arise Television to misrepresent the situation. She has now taken it to the IPU UN event, trying to embarrass Nigeria with a misleading narrative.” Akpabio commended Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara for countering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims at the international event, ensuring that Nigeria’s image was not tarnished. Senate Leader: Allegations Are a Diversion Senate Leader Bamidele clarified that the Senate’s actions were based on legislative rules, not external pressures. He refuted allegations that Akpabio presided over his own case, stating that the proceedings strictly focused on disciplinary measures for rule violations. “Some claim the Senate has no right to suspend a senator. That is a legal matter for the courts. However, our rules are clear on disciplinary actions.” Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olalere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West), seconded the motion, and the Senate unanimously adopted it. Senate Focuses on Governance After Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), called on lawmakers to redirect their focus toward governance and the 2025 budget implementation, now that the issue is before the court. The Senate’s resolutions on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension include: However, following a motion by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), it was decided that her legislative aides would continue receiving their salaries. Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), arguing that her suspension was unjustified. For a deeper insight into legislative processes, visit the Nigerian Senate’s Official Website. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel Kindly Share:
