Oby Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has denied claims that she was paid to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ezekwesili, a known advocate for good governance and justice, has publicly backed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call for an investigation into the alleged misconduct and urged Akpabio to step aside to allow for a fair inquiry.

However, UK-based activist Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, recently alleged that the senator fabricated the claims and told her Ezekwesili was paid to lend her support.

Responding on social media, Ezekwesili dismissed the allegation as a “ridiculous fabrication”, stating that her principles are not for sale.

“No amount of money—not even all the wealth in every central bank in the world—can buy my convictions, voice, or stance,” she wrote on X. . “I remain committed to justice, and your adversaries’ desperate lies will not change that.”

She added that those familiar with her record know her integrity is not in doubt.

Tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio became public in February when the senator accused him of making repeated sexual advances, allegedly at both his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State. The claims emerged after a disagreement over Senate seating arrangements.

In March, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing gross misconduct related to the incident. Ezekwesili has continued to voice support for an impartial investigation and transparency in the handling of the matter.