Akpabio-Natasha: Ezekwesili Breaks Silence on Bribery Allegation

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has broken her silence over allegations that she was paid to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Reacting to claims made by UK-based activist Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, Ezekwesili firmly denied ever receiving a bribe, calling the accusation a “laughable falsehood.”

Duru had alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan fabricated the harassment claims and told her that Ezekwesili was financially induced to back the story. In a post on X, Ezekwesili dismissed the claim and reaffirmed her support for the senator’s demand for justice. “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.”

Ezekwesili said she would continue to stand by Akpoti-Uduaghan “wholeheartedly,” stressing that their shared commitment to justice remains unshaken.

The controversy began in February when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her at his office and home in Akwa Ibom. The fallout from the accusation led to her six-month suspension from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” after an altercation with the presiding officer. Ezekwesili has been vocal in demanding that Akpabio step aside to allow an impartial investigation into the senator’s petition.