Oby Ezekwesili, a former education minister, has denied claims that she was paid to support Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
Ezekwesili has been vocal in demanding a full investigation into the sexual harassment allegations that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The ex-minister also called for Akpabio to step down to allow for a fair and unbiased inquiry into the matter.
However, last Thursday, UK-based activist Sandra Duru, better known as Professor Mgbeke, claimed that Natasha fabricated the harassment story, alleging that the senator privately told her that Ezekwesili was paid to publicly support the accusation.
Responding to these claims on Saturday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ezekwesili dismissed the bribery allegations as baseless, saying no one could ever buy her support or convictions.
She wrote, “I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent your adversaries into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods.
“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 stressed that she would continue standing by Akpoti-Uduaghan without hesitation.
“Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served,” she added.
The rift between Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio came to light in February when she accused the senate president of making inappropriate advances, both in his office and at his home in Akwa Ibom.