Former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has rejected claims suggesting she accepted a bribe to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a direct statement posted on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ezekwesili responded to an allegation made by UK-based activist Sandra Duru, popularly known as Professor Mgbeke. Duru alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan fabricated her sexual harassment story and that Ezekwesili was paid to support the senator.
Dr. Ezekwesili called the claims “laughable falsehoods” and maintained that her reputation for honesty and integrity remains untouched. “No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers,” she wrote.
She continued, stating, “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.”
According to Ezekwesili, her support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is based purely on shared values and the pursuit of justice—not political motives or financial gain. “We simply despise injustice and the abuse of power. Period,” she wrote.
She notes that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request for an investigation into the Senate President should be taken seriously and not dismissed. Ezekwesili urged the Nigerian public to stay alert and continue demanding transparency.
Addressing attempts to discredit Akpoti-Uduaghan, she warned that such efforts would be futile. “You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight against a brigade of irresponsible politicians, led by the Senate President.”
Ezekwesili also criticized members of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of lacking true understanding of public service. “They cannot fathom the concept of service because money and their belly are their gods,” she said, contrasting this mindset with her own lifelong commitment to justice and ethical governance.
Closing her statement, she delivered a message of encouragement to the embattled senator: “So fight on, until justice is served!”
