Ezekwesili Replies Natasha : ‘Our Daughters Must Never Inherit Battles We Should’ve Fought’
Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, on Wednesday morning shared uplifting words with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, PulseNets learnt. This came in the wake of her protracted friction with the leadership of the Nigerian Senate.
PulseNets learned that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had late on Tuesday tendered an apology to Ezekwesili following her altercation with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North.
In her remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan admitted that Ezekwesili bore the brunt of the insults directed at her by Nwebonyi during the Senate Ethics Committee hearing on the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stressing that Ezekwesili took the attack on behalf of her and every woman in Nigeria.
It would be recalled, PulseNets reported, that the heated exchange occurred on Tuesday after Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a fresh petition against Akpabio. During the panel’s proceedings, Ezekwesili had asked Nwebonyi to remain silent, a move that quickly escalated into both parties hurling insults.
Taking to her verified X account, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote:
“Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologise for the insults.
Know you carried them for me… for us… as a mother and as a leader.
You are indeed a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.”
In her own early Wednesday response, Ezekwesili, speaking via her X handle, told PulseNets that the episode is just part of the struggle for justice in Nigeria.
“Very kind words, dear Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti ! 🫂
To me, a torrent of insults from any source is only a small price to pay in our determination to see a Nigeria that Becomes.
Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them.
A society that silences women and the vulnerable can never Become.
We must all resist that for Nigeria.
We STAND ON!”
Political watchers told PulseNets that the Ezekwesili-Akpoti-Uduaghan exchange highlights the gendered challenges women face in Nigeria’s political system, especially in an environment where the Senate leadership itself stands accused of silencing female voices.
Also Read: Ezekwesili Backs Aisha Yesufu, Criticizes Tinubu: says “I’ll Never Sing Old National Anthem”
The development continues to stir public debate online, with many Nigerians praising the courage of both women in confronting what they describe as entrenched patriarchy in national politics.
