Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has called for the relocation of old buildings surrounding the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, citing the need for infrastructural renewal to improve the image of the country.
In a video clip now trending online, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate made the appeal during the last plenary session on Thursday.
Nwebonyi urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to include the redevelopment or relocation of the communities near the airport in the next FCT budget, highlighting that the current structures paint a poor image of Nigeria to visitors arriving in the capital.
“As you descend into the Abuja airport, the infrastructure in the surrounding communities is an eyesore. It does not present a good image of the nation. These buildings are the mirror of the country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill aimed at transforming that environment,” Nwebonyi said.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the suggestion, arguing that such communities are people’s ancestral homes and should not be removed for cosmetic reasons.
“That community is someone’s village. The image of Nigeria doesn’t begin from what you see while descending. In my state, Akwa Ibom, what you see when you descend are creeks and water. Should we also relocate them because it doesn't look appealing?” Akpabio countered.
Following the debate, Akpabio subjected the proposal to a voice vote, and the Senate rejected the motion.
Heated Exchange with Obi Ezekwesili
Senator Nwebonyi also made headlines recently for a heated confrontation with former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, during a Senate hearing concerning sexual allegations involving Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
During the proceedings, Nwebonyi demanded to be allowed to speak if Ezekwesili and her team were unprepared. In response, Ezekwesili interjected, reportedly saying, “Can you shut up?”
An infuriated Nwebonyi lashed out, declaring:
“You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood. Why should you talk to a senator like that?”
The altercation has sparked further debate on decorum, gender respect, and conduct in legislative and public discourse.
ADEOLA KUNLE
