About 350 women groups under aegis of a coalition have called for an immediate public apology from Senator Peter Nwebonyi representing Ebonyi North District in Ebonyi State, over his verbal attack on former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.
Penpushing reports that the groups demanded the apology in a statement and also accused the Senate Committee members of failing to call Nwebonyi to order after what they described as his disrespectful and vulgar language directed at Ezekwesili.
The women groups described the Senator’s comments as a deliberate attempt to undermine women’s voices, adding that his actions were wholly unbecoming of a public official, and that the conduct was an affront not just to Ezekwesili but to every woman who advocates for fairness, justice, and equity.
Penpushing further reports that the coalition includes organisations such as ActionAid Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Bring Back Our Girls, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Stand to End Rape (STER), Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
The statement stated that the groups equally expressed disappointment in the senate committee for failing to reprimand Nwebonyi during the proceedings, pointing out that their inaction amounted to complicity.
Penpushing also reports that the women body said the committee’s failure to intervene shows a disregard for women in politics, and that it condoned the disgraceful behavior and perpetuated a culture of disregard for women in political spaces.
The coalition, however, praised Ezekwesili, addressing her as a national leader and global treasure whose contributions to governance and women’s empowerment are widely recognised.
“As a former minister and Chairperson of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Oby Ezekwesili has consistently championed justice and the inclusion of women in leadership. Any attempt to demean her is an attack on the dignity of Nigerian women,” the statement added.
Penpushing reports that the groups emphasised that women would not accept any further disrespect directed at Ezekwesili or any other woman advocating for justice noting that Nwebonyi’s behavior translates to gender-based violence.
“Senator Nwebonyi’s behavior is reflective of the abuse of power rooted in gender-based violence. It seeks to intimidate and silence women who challenge the status quo, undermining the principles of dignity and equality,” the statement added.
Penpushing further reports that the women’s groups in the statement vowed to hold the Senate accountable for the incident, insisting that it must not be swept under the carpet.
The controversy, it is recalled stems from a Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing held on March 25, 2025 where Nwebonyi directed harsh and dismissive remarks toward Ezekwesili.
Penpushing also reports that the hearing was convened to address a petition by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central against Nedanwen Imasuen of Edo South, seeking his disbarment from the Nigerian Bar over allegations of professional misconduct.
The session, which focused on governance and justice-related petitions, Nwebonyi reportedly belittled the coalition’s efforts, dismissing them as unserious and a waste of time, and further mocked the petitioners, stating he was ready to be a witness for the Senate President.
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