Former Minister of Education and vocal advocate for public accountability, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has firmly denied claims that she was financially induced to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The allegation was made by Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist known as Professor Mgbeke, who accused the senator of fabricating the harassment claims and further alleged that Ezekwesili had been paid to lend her voice to the cause. In a swift and forceful response via her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former minister condemned the allegations as a smear campaign and dismissed them as “laughable falsehoods.”
Ezekwesili, who has built a reputation for integrity in public service and civil society activism, stated that her support for Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from a deep-rooted belief in justice, equity, and transparency—not from any personal or political gain. She emphasized that her stance on matters of public interest is never for sale.
“No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled,” she wrote. “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.”
In her statement, Ezekwesili also condemned the broader culture of political intimidation in Nigeria, where women who speak out often face smear campaigns. She described her continued support for the senator as a matter of principle. “We simply despise injustice and the abuse of power. Period,” she declared. “You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight against a brigade of irresponsible politicians, led by the Senate President.”
The former minister went further to criticize Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of being driven by greed and self-interest rather than a genuine desire to serve. “They cannot fathom the concept of service because money and their belly are their gods,” she said. “In contrast, I—like many of you—will continue, eternally, to live a purpose-driven life of sacrifice in the unrelenting fight for a decent and just Nigeria.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio first became public in February, when she accused him of making unsolicited and inappropriate advances toward her. According to the senator, the alleged incidents occurred during her time as a witness before a Senate committee and included visits to Akpabio’s office and residence in Akwa Ibom State.
The situation escalated after the senator was suspended from the upper legislative chamber in March for six months. The Senate leadership cited “gross misconduct” as the reason, pointing to an altercation she had with the presiding officer over seating arrangements. However, critics argue that the suspension was a retaliatory move aimed at silencing her.
Since then, calls for justice and a transparent investigation into the matter have grown louder. Civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and human rights advocates have all condemned the Senate’s handling of the matter, calling it an assault on democratic accountability and a blatant attempt to suppress a female lawmaker who dared to speak out.
Dr. Ezekwesili has emerged as one of the most vocal public figures standing behind Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Beyond demanding that the Senate President step aside for an impartial probe, she has also called on Nigerians to reject attempts to intimidate whistleblowers and reformers. “This matter is not about political alliances,” she stated. “It is about the soul of our democracy and whether we will allow power to be wielded without accountability.”
She urged citizens to remain engaged and to continue demanding justice in the face of intimidation, adding that those who attempt to discredit voices of truth are only exposing their own fear of accountability. “When falsehood becomes their weapon, know that truth is already shaking their stronghold,” she said.
While Senate President Akpabio is yet to respond publicly to the latest calls for investigation, the political storm shows no sign of calming. Many Nigerians are watching closely, not just to see how this particular case unfolds, but to determine whether the country’s institutions can rise to defend integrity and fairness in the face of political pressure.
Ezekwesili concluded her statement with a message of resilience and encouragement: “So fight on, until justice is served!”
