A legal practitioner and civil rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Nigerian Senate to discipline the Senator representing Ebonyi North in the National Assembly, Onyekachi Nwebonyi if the Upper Legislative Chamber should retain any integrity.
He was reacting to the viral footage of the altercation between the Senator and a former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili during a hearing of the Senate Committee about the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ejiofor, Layer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said that Senator Nwebonyi’s prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any findings, deliberations, or inquiries on the subject matter, given his publicly stated position on it.
He said, “I watched with profound disappointment the now-viral footage of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, engaging in an appalling display of verbal assault and unruly conduct towards the esteemed former Minister of Education, Madam Oby Ezekwesili – widely respected as Madam Due Process – during a Senate Committee hearing.
“This deplorable behaviour is not only disgraceful but also emblematic of deeper moral decay, unchecked impunity, and a blatant disregard for decorum and human dignity. No public official, let alone a Senator entrusted with legislative responsibilities, should demean the office they occupy with such conduct.
“In a society where accountability prevails, Senator Nwebonyi would already be facing serious disciplinary consequences, including suspension. How did we get here? Posterity must hold them accountable someday. I call upon the leadership of the Senate to take swift and decisive action against this gross misconduct.
“Senator Nwebonyi’s prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any findings, deliberations, or inquiries on the subject matter, given his publicly stated position on it.
“However, such unbecoming behaviour must not be tolerated or excused under any circumstances. Thankfully, a distinguished colleague of his rightfully observed that they are in the Senate, not in the market. This is horrible indeed!
“The unwarranted outburst is not only condemnable but has also succeeded in bringing the institution of the Senate into disrepute. If the Senate still retains any integrity, it is at stake, and failure to address this transgression would set a dangerous precedent – further emboldening the erosion of civility and respect within the hallowed chambers of the legislature.
“In contrast, I commend Madam Due Process for her dignified and exemplary composure in the face of this unwarranted attack. She has, once again, demonstrated the strength of character, intelligence, and poise that make her a model of leadership and statesmanship. Her ability to maintain grace under fire serves as an enduring lesson in decorum and resilience.
“The Senate must rise to the occasion and ensure that this culture of impunity is confronted head-on. The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and accountability.”
