By Chuks Eke
Human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor KSC has condemned what he described as disgraceful bullying of Oby Ezekwesili widely respected as Madam Due Process by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the Upper Chambers.
He insisted that the deplorable behavior of Senator Nwebonyi
towards Ezekwesili, the esteemed former Minister of Education, during a Senate Committee on Tuesday, was not only disgraceful but also emblematic of deeper moral decay, unchecked impunity and a blatant disregard for decorum and human dignity.
Ejiofor who spoke to newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra state, contended that no public official, let alone a senator entrusted with the legislative responsibilities should demean the office they occupy with such conduct, adding that in a society where accountability prevails, Senator Nwebonyi would already be facing disciplinary consequences, including suspension.
According to Ejiofor who is also a leading counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, “I watched with profound disappointment the now-viral footage of Senator Nwebonyi, engaging in an appalling display of verbal assault and unruly conduct towards the esteemed former Minister, Madam Ezekwesili during a Senate Committee hearing”.
“After listening to the shameful act, Ejiofor continued, I asked myself. How did we get here? Posterity must hold them accountablle sometime, someday”.
He therefore called on the leadership of the Senate to take swift and decisive action against this gross misconduct, adding that Senator Nwebonyi’s prejudice against Natasha is so profound that he should be disqualified from participating in any findings, deliberations, or inquiries on the subject matter, given his publicly stated position on it.
He however stated that such unbecoming behaviour must not be tolerated or excused under any circumstances as according to him, “Thankfully, a distinguished colleague of his rightfully observed that they are in the Senate, not in the market”.
“This is horrible indeed! The unwarranted outburst is not only condemnable but has also succeeded in bringing the institution of the Senate into disrepute. If the Senate still retains any integrity, it is at stake, and failure to address this transgression would set a dangerous precedence – further emboldening the erosion of civility and respect within the hallowed chambers of the legislature”.
“In contrast, I commend Madam Due Process for her dignified and exemplary composure in the face of this unwarranted attack. She has once again demonstrated the strength of character, intelligence, and poise that make her a model of leadership and statesmanship. Her ability to maintain grace under fire serves as an enduring lesson in decorum and resilience”.
“The Senate must rise to the occasion and ensure that this culture of impunity is confronted head-on. The Nigerian people deserve a legislature that upholds the values of respect, integrity, and accountability”, said Ejiofor.
