|By Adejumo Adejumo –
-Ezekwesili Rejects Bribery Claims in Support for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
–Says No Wealth Can Buy Her Convictions or Voice on Justice Matters
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has dismissed claims that she collected bribe to support suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili, known for her strong stance on accountability and women’s rights, reaffirmed her commitment to seeking justice and defending the truth, insisting that no amount of money could influence her.
Her reaction followed allegations made by UK-based activist, Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, who claimed last Thursday that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had fabricated the sexual harassment story and told her that Ezekwesili was “paid to support the narrative.”
In a statement on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ezekwesili described the bribery accusation as a desperate falsehood, engineered by those unsettled by her advocacy.
“I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent your adversaries into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods,” she wrote.
“No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers.”
“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. So, worry not, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
Ezekwesili also vowed to stand firmly behind Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose six-month suspension by the Senate on March 6 followed a heated dispute with Akpabio.
The fallout between Natasha and Akpabio began in February, after she accused the Senate President of making sexual advances toward her — allegations she said occurred at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State. The accusation surfaced shortly after a disagreement over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Ezekwesili had earlier urged Akpabio to step aside to allow for an unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment claims and ensure Natasha’s petition receives proper attention.
