News
I’ve no regret insulting Ezekwesili at senate hearing – Nwaebonyi
By Francesca Hangeior
The senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has defended his clash with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
The clash occurred during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
Trouble started when the petitioner urged the 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.
He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to 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 lashed out at her, saying, “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 called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.
The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
During the proceedings, tensions flared when Nwaebonyi was heard hurling derogatory remarks at Ezekwesili, referring to her as an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.”
However, in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday evening, Nwaebonyi claimed that Ezekwesili had instigated the confrontation by calling him a hooligan and telling him to “shut up” despite his position as a senator.
“It started when she was asked to take an oath because she said she was a witness. She refused, saying she couldn’t be placed under oath. As I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan,’” Nwaebonyi said.
He insisted that his response was justified, adding that he had no regrets about the incident.
He said, “For a mother like you, a grandmother of your age, a former minister of the Federal Republic to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan, that’s unacceptable.”
Asked whether he regretted the altercation, Nwaebonyi was resolute: “How can I regret the scenario? I gave it to her. Is it fair for her to address me that way? As a former minister and a grandmother, ask her first.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has extended his warmest felicitations to Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.
In his Sallah message, Kalu congratulated the Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged them to continue devoting themselves to prayers for the unity, peace, and faith in the country.
The Deputy Speaker while emphasising the importance of holding onto the values of Eid celebrations, also urged the faithful to imbibe the lessons learnt during the fasting period.
He assured that the federal government is commited to consolidating programmes and policies that will come continue to improve the lives of the citizens.
Kalu wished the Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-al-Fitr celebration.
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan fasting, urging them to continue to pray for the country and its leaders.
Speaker Abbas urged the Islamic faithful to continue to imbibe the virtues of the Holy Month, which include piety, sacrifice, charity, discipline among others.
He enjoined Muslims to continue to be their brother’s keepers and maintain peace amd order.
The Speaker, on his Sallah message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said it is a double fortune for Nigeria and the world as a whole as Muslims observed Ramadan and Christians observed the Lent about the same time.
While praying to Allah (SWT) to accept the prayers and supplications offered during the fasting season, Speaker Abbas sought divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
“May the lessons learnt during the Holy Month of Ramadan remain in us forever,” the Speaker said.
He wished Muslims a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
By Gloria Ikibah
The President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has said the Eid El Fitr celebrations should be a time for reflection, renewal, and rejoicing.
In a statement, Isiguzo extended heartfelt and warm greetings to Muslim journalists across the African continent as they join the global Muslim Ummah in marking the occasion.
He acknowledged the significance of Eid El Fitr, and emphasised that it is “not only the conclusion of a month of fasting and prayer, but also a celebration of the strength, discipline, and devotion demonstrated by Muslims in their faith.
“Your commitment to your religious duties, despite the challenges of our modern world, stands as an inspiration to all,” he said.
The CAJ President, who is also a former national President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, underscored the critical role journalists play in shaping narratives, offering a voice to the voiceless, and conveying the truth to society.
“As journalists, you are at the forefront of shaping narratives and offering a voice to the voiceless. Your role in both challenging and joyous times is invaluable,” he added.
Comrade Isiguzo therefore encouraged Muslim journalists to use the period of Eid to reflect on shared values of humanity, compassion, and unity, while also recognising the importance of their work in serving society.
“The stories we tell and the truths we uncover are part of our service to society and our greater responsibility to humanity,” he noted.
He prayed for peace and unity across Africa, urging journalists to continue working towards a brighter future.
The CAJ President further extended well-wishes to all Muslims, particularly journalists, across Africa.
“May this Eid inspire you to continue working towards a future where peace, unity, and understanding prevail across our great continent.
“May Allah accept your prayers, reward your sacrifices, and grant you health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors”, he said.
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