Emmanuel OchayiSenator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, has admitted that his choice of words during a heated exchange with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, was inappropriate. The confrontation took place during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, where Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili clashed over a petition raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS, Nwaebonyi stated, “I regret my choice of words to her because she’s old enough to be my mother.” However, he insisted that Ezekwesili’s actions provoked his reaction, though he later commended her for publicly acknowledging her remarks.
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The Heated Exchange Between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili
The Senate hearing turned tense when a petitioner’s microphone was turned off. Ezekwesili attempted to intervene, directing Nwaebonyi to “compose himself and stop making noise.” This instruction did not sit well with the senator, who responded angrily.
Nwaebonyi lashed out, calling Ezekwesili a “fool” and “an insult to womanhood.” Ezekwesili, in turn, labelled him a “hooligan.” Their verbal clash temporarily halted the proceedings as both parties refused to back down.
The confrontation has since sparked reactions from the public, with many questioning the decorum of elected officials during official proceedings.
Nwaebonyi Insists Respect Must Be Earned
While acknowledging that his words were inappropriate, Nwaebonyi maintained that Ezekwesili’s approach was disrespectful. “Respect is earned, not commanded,” he said. He further argued that Ezekwesili had no right to speak to him in such a manner.
“She has no right to talk to me and to talk to me in that way. For me to shut up my mouth, it means that she’s not mature,” he asserted. He also claimed that her career advancement was a result of circumstance rather than merit, saying, “She got to her level by accident and I maintain my stand.”
Impact on Women’s Political Participation
Following the incident, questions arose about whether such exchanges could discourage female participation in Nigerian politics. Nwaebonyi, however, dismissed such concerns, insisting that he has always supported the inclusion of women in politics.
“I’m one of those senators that has been supporting women’s emancipation and participation in politics,” he claimed, despite his choice of words during the altercation.
The exchange between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili has reignited discussions on gender dynamics in Nigeria’s political space, with many calling for greater respect and decorum in official settings.
Reactions to the Senate Clash
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some condemning Nwaebonyi’s language and others questioning Ezekwesili’s approach. While some believe the senator’s remarks were unnecessary, others argue that Ezekwesili’s directive to “compose himself” may have escalated the situation.
Political analysts note that such public clashes only highlight the deep-seated tensions within Nigeria’s political institutions, where heated debates often turn personal.
Global Perspective on Political Decorum
Nigeria is not the only country where political debates become heated. Similar incidents have been reported in:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Canada
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Australia
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South Africa
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India
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Kenya
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Ghana
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Germany
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France
However, many have called for increased professionalism among public officials, urging them to engage in constructive debates rather than personal attacks.
With Nwaebonyi’s admission of regret, it remains to be seen whether Nigerian politicians will adopt a more civil approach in future engagements.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
