Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has firmly denied allegations that she received payment to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The denial comes after UK-based activist Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, claimed last Thursday that Akpoti-Uduaghan had fabricated the sexual harassment allegations and told her that Ezekwesili was paid to back these claims.
“No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers,” Ezekwesili wrote on social media platform X on Saturday.
“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.”
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Ezekwesili has been vocal in calling for an investigation into the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. She has specifically demanded that Akpabio step aside to allow for an impartial probe and for the senator’s petition to be properly addressed.
The former minister pledged to continue supporting the senator “wholeheartedly” and stated that their “commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served.”
The controversy began in February when Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her, claiming these incidents occurred both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom state. The allegations emerged following a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
On March 6, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing “gross misconduct” related to her altercation with the presiding officer.
