Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has offered an apology to former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, following a heated exchange between Ezekwesili and Ebonyi North Senator, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, during a Senate committee hearing.
The altercation took place on Tuesday during a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which was examining a new petition filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She had accused Akpabio of intimidation, defamation, and sexual harassment.
Ezekwesili attended the hearing as a witness, alongside Abiola Akiode, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu. Tensions escalated when Nwaebonyi, who appeared on Akpabio’s behalf, repeatedly interrupted Ezekwesili as she spoke.
In response, the former minister urged him to “compose himself and stop making noise” before adding, “please, will you shut up?”
Nwaebonyi retaliated by calling Ezekwesili a “fool” and accusing her of being “an insult to womanhood.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed regret over the remarks directed at Ezekwesili, acknowledging her contributions to governance and leadership.
“Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader,” she wrote. “You are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire generations.”
She further commended Ezekwesili’s dedication to accountability, recognizing her as a source of inspiration for Nigerians.