Human Rights Activist Condemns Senator's Verbal Assault on Dr. Oby Ezekwesili During Senate Committee Hearing
Human rights activist and lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed deep disappointment over the recent verbal assault by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi towards Dr. Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate Committee hearing. In a statement released on Wednesday, Ejiofor condemned the senator's behavior, labeling it as unbefitting of his position and indicative of moral decay and unchecked impunity.
Describing Dr. Oby Ezekwesili as a widely respected figure known for her commitment to due process, Ejiofor called on the Senate leadership to take swift and decisive action against Senator Nwebonyi's gross misconduct. He highlighted the need for accountability and stated that such behavior should never be tolerated or excused under any circumstance.
Commending Dr. Oby Ezekwesili for her dignified composure in the face of the verbal attack, Ejiofor emphasized the importance of upholding core values of respect, integrity, and accountability within the legislature. He urged the Senate to confront the culture of impunity head-on, stating that the Nigerian people deserve a legislature that embodies these values.
He said, "I watched with profound disappointment the now-viral footage of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, engaging in a disgraceful display of verbal abuse and unruly conduct towards the esteemed former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili—widely respected as ‘Madam Due Process’—during a Senate Committee hearing yesterday.
"This deplorable behavior is not only shameful, but also indicative of a deeper moral decay, unchecked impunity, and a flagrant disregard for decorum and human dignity. No public official, particularly a senator entrusted with legislative duties, should ever demean the office they occupy with such conduct. In a society where accountability prevails, Senator Nwebonyi would already be facing serious disciplinary action, including suspension. How did we get to this point? Posterity must hold these individuals accountable.
"I call on the leadership of the Senate to take swift and decisive action against this gross misconduct. Senator Nwebonyi’s evident prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any inquiries, deliberations, or findings related to the subject, given his publicly expressed bias.
"Such behavior, however, must never be tolerated or excused under any circumstance. Fortunately, a distinguished colleague rightly observed that they are in the Senate, not in the market. This is an appalling situation! Nwebonyi’s outburst not only deserves condemnation but has also successfully brought the reputation of the Senate into disrepute. If the Senate still retains any integrity, it is now at stake, and failure to address this transgression will set a dangerous precedent—further emboldening the erosion of civility and respect within the legislature.
"In contrast, I commend Dr. Oby Ezekwesili for her dignified and exemplary composure in the face of this unwarranted attack. She once again demonstrated strength of character, intelligence, and poise, reaffirming her role as a model of leadership and statesmanship. Her ability to maintain grace under fire is a powerful lesson in decorum and resilience.
The Senate must rise to the occasion and confront this culture of impunity head-on. The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the core values of respect, integrity, and accountability.”