The Ebonyi State Council of Elders has thrown its support behind Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip representing Ebonyi North. This follows his recent clash with former Education Minister Dr Oby Ezekwesili at a National Assembly Ethics Committee meeting.

The elders expressed their stance in a letter to Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio, dated 31 March 2025.

Titled “Re-Solidarity with Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi,” the letter was signed by Chairman Chief Ben Okah and Secretary Elder Nduka Ozo. They praised Nwebonyi as a respected leader who showed dignity and decorum. Plus, they defended his response to Ezekwesili, calling it self-defence against her clear disrespect.

“We have keenly followed the narratives surrounding this unfortunate incident and wish to categorically state that Senator Nwebonyi’s response to Mrs Ezekwesili was an act of self-defence, necessitated by her blatant display of disrespect,” the elders wrote.

“While we hold in high regard the fundamental principles of respect, decorum, and civility in public engagements, we strongly believe that no individual, no matter how highly placed, has the right to publicly demean an elected representative of the people.”

Moreover, the elders warned social media users against attacking Nwebonyi. They stressed that his reaction came after verbal abuse from Ezekwesili. “It is disheartening to observe how some voices on social media have attempted to vilify Senator Nwebonyi, overlooking the fact that his reaction was prompted by unwarranted provocation,” they added. Respect, they noted, must go both ways.

The group insisted it was wrong for anyone to undermine Nwebonyi’s authority in an official setting. They urged public figures to maintain decorum when addressing lawmakers.

“As elders of Ebonyi State, we uphold the values of dignity, honour, and reciprocity of respect, and we frown at any attempt to trample upon these ideals under the guise of free speech,” they said.

“Senator Nwebonyi has always carried himself with dignity and has demonstrated commitment to the welfare of his constituents.”

Also, the Council called on the Senate to act to stop such incidents in the future. They argued that no one, regardless of status, should denigrate serving lawmakers. To them, this event should remind everyone that mutual respect is key in democracy. They ended by offering their high regards to Akpabio.

(The Sun)