Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has denied collecting bribe to back Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator.
Ezekwesili has been outspoken in the demand for an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She has also called for Akpabio to step aside for an impartial probe and for the senator’s petition to be handled.
Last Thursday, Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist, better known as Professor Mgbeke, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan fabricated the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.
Duru also claimed that the senator told her the former minister was paid to back the sexual harassment allegations.
In a post on X on Saturday, Ezekwesili said she cannot be bribed to support a cause she is committed to.
“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.”
The former minister added that she would continue to support the senator “wholeheartedly”.
“Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served,” she said.
Tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio became public in February when she accused the senate president of making sexual advances toward her, alleging that the incidents occurred both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom state.
The allegation followed a dispute over seating arrangements in the senate chamber.
On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for “gross misconduct” over the altercation with the presiding officer.
