Ezekwesili backs Natasha over Akpabio harassment claim

A former Minister of Education and social justice advocate, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has reiterated her unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her ongoing battle for justice, following the senator’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a strongly worded statement shared via her X handle on Saturday, Ezekwesili dismissed what she described as “desperate, laughable falsehoods” being peddled by those attempting to discredit her and derail Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pursuit of justice.

“Once again, Senator @NatashaAkpoti, You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone. Rest assured, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the distinguished women of FIDA and I will continue to stand with you wholeheartedly. Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served,” Ezekwesili declared.

Ezekwesili alleged a coordinated attempt by a “brigade of irresponsible politicians” led by Akpabio to intimidate and silence Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“The world sees how they have captured our public institutions for their selfish benefit—corruptly abusing their positions to silence, intimidate, and endanger you. But they will fail,” she said.

She called for an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegation, insisting that “The Senate President cannot dodge the inevitable forever.”

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In the post titled Memo to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and All Truly Honourable Citizens of Nigeria, Ezekwesili described her own integrity as unimpeachable, stating: “No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers. They know—without a doubt—that no amount of money, not even all the wealth in every central bank in the world, can buy my convictions, voice, and stance on any matter I choose to support.”

She urged Akpoti-Uduaghan not to be discouraged by the backlash, asserting: “You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight.”

Ezekwesili also sent a message to the Nigerian public, urging citizens to rise above lies and distractions and to demand accountability from leaders.

“Ignore their lies. Dismiss, with contempt, their desperate theatrics—a feeble attempt to divert attention from the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio,” she stated.

Quoting the senator herself, Ezekwesili concluded with a rallying cry: “This injustice shall not be sustained.”