Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North and serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, has stirred strong reactions with a public statement made during a constituency empowerment program in Abakaliki. He expressed concerns about the behavior of some female politicians, stating that any woman who openly disrespects men should not be allowed to hold public office. Without mentioning names, he referenced instances where women in politics have allegedly spoken harshly to male colleagues, calling such behavior harmful to the future of female participation in leadership.
While reaffirming his support for women’s inclusion in politics, Nwebonyi made it clear that he believes mutual respect must remain a standard. He emphasized that advocating for women’s rights should not come at the cost of diminishing the dignity of men. He described disrespectful conduct, such as telling a man to “shut up” during legislative sessions, as unacceptable, warning that those who exhibit such tendencies should step away from politics.
Away from the heated comments, the senator shifted focus to grassroots development by supporting local agriculture and education. Over 2,000 farmers received rice seedlings, fertilizers, and herbicides, with a call for young people to return to farming as a more dependable path compared to uncertain white-collar jobs. He also unveiled a scholarship scheme valued at ₦50 million for 225 students, aimed at encouraging timely graduation and community impact.
Nwebonyi urged beneficiaries to embrace farming as a long-term solution and take their education seriously, describing both sectors as the backbone of progress in society.
