Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has apologized to former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, over a heated exchange between Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing.

The altercation arose amid a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during which Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi engaged in a verbal clash after Ezekwesili told Nwaebonyi to “shut up.”

Addressing the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her regrets, stating that Ezekwesili endured the insults on behalf of all women.

“Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologize for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us… as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership,” she wrote.

She praised Ezekwesili’s unwavering dedication to good governance, education, and democracy, calling her a champion of accountability whose efforts continue to inspire Nigerians.

Ezekwesili, a former presidential candidate and advocate for transparency and women’s rights, has not yet responded publicly to the apology.