Fight On, Our Daughters, Granddaughters Mustn’t Inherit Unjust Society
By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan, has apologized to former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, for the insults, which were heaped on her at the panel handling a new petition that Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that bordered on sexual advances allegation.
Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, a witness for Akpabio in respect of the petition, got into war of insults with derogatory expressions such as “you’re a fool,” “you’re a scoundrel,” “you’re a disgrace to the Senate” among others, inexorably flying across between the two.
The verbal altercation erupted when the former minister Intimidatingly asked the Senator to stop talking during the panel, a development that drew the ire of Senator Nwaebonyi until relative calm returned.
However, reacting to the incident, Natasha took to her verified X handle to tender an apology to Oby, saying the former ‘Bring back our girls’ campaigner, took the insults on her behalf and women generally. “Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologise for the insults,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote on X in response to the face-off.
She described Oby Ezekwesili as a mother and a leader as well as a living example of courage, honesty, and inspiring leadership.
“Ma’am, I apologise 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.
“Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations.
“A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero,” she wrote.
In a swift response, Exekwesili thanked Natasha for her mind words, urging the Kogi Central Senator to persevere in the battle against unjust society that subjugates and silences the women.
According the former Minister, shying away from the struggle means leaving their daughters and granddaughters to inherit battles and wars they – the mothers, should have fought and won for them
She wrote on her X handle, “Very kind words, dear Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti ! 🫂
“Yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that Becomes.
“Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them.
“An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become.We all must refuse that for Nigeria.We STAND ON! ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾.”