PUNCH
There was a heated exchange between Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, senator representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a senate hearing on Tuesday.
The clash occurred at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiode, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu. Barr. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi
Trouble started when Yakubu attempted to speak while Senate Committee Chairman, Neda Imaseun, was addressing the room.
He was asked to mute his microphone, but when Ezekwesili tried to intervene, Nwaebonyi interrupted her.
In response, Ezekwesili told the senator to “compose himself and stop making noise,” a remark that sparked an angry outburst.
“You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here,” Nwaebonyi replied Ezekwesili.
Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.
The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.