Senate Tension: Ezekwesili Opens Up On Fiery Altercation With Nwaebonyi

The altercation occurred on Tuesday during discussions on a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. Ezekwesili confronted Nwaebonyi, who also serves as Deputy Chief Whip, telling him to “shut up” during the session.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Ezekwesili explained that tensions arose due to legal complexities surrounding the case, with related matters still pending in court. She noted that the Senate panel had deemed the issue “sub judice,” preventing open discussion.

“The petitioner insisted he wouldn’t proceed unless his objections were addressed,” she stated, adding that the panel interpreted this as a lack of readiness, causing further frustration.

Ezekwesili recounted that Nwaebonyi intervened on behalf of the Senate President, insisting on speaking despite the restriction placed on others.

“I told him, ‘Can you please shut up?’ We were told we couldn’t speak, yet he was allowed to do so freely,” she said.

According to her, Nwaebonyi’s anger escalated because he felt they were not taking the matter seriously. She described his reaction as “indecorous behavior” that is often exhibited by public officials in the country.