There was drama in the Senate on Tuesday during the hearing of a petition from lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswil Akpabio.

It was gathered that former minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi had a heated exchange of words during the hearing.

The clash occurred at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Mrs. Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.

The controversy started when the petitioner urged Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.

Yakubu said: “How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position?

“What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?

He alleged that some committee members had pre-existing relationship with Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral.

His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.

Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings.

However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out.

She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.”

This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who said: “You’re a fool. What do you mean?

“Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”

Ezekwesili replied and called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.

Reacting to the drama, a legislator representing Imo West, Senator Patrick Ndubueze appealed for calm before addressing the committee.

He said: “We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.

“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognised before you speak.

“That is the rule. We cannot just jump to answer questions because you are a petitioner. This is a Standing Committee.”

However, Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely following observations that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan have a case in court and the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to defend her allegation.