‘Money can’t buy my voice’ — Ezekwesili denies collecting bribe to back Natasha Akpoti

Ezekwesili has been vocal in calling for an inquiry into the claims of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She has also demanded that the senator's petition be processed and that Akpabio resign in order to allow for an unbiased investigation.

Professor Mgbeke, also known as Sandra Duru, an activist from the UK, claimed last Thursday that Akpoti-Uduaghan had made up the accusation of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

Duru also said that the senator told her the former minister was paid to back the sexual harassment charges.

"My voice cannot be bought with money."

Ezekwesili stated in a post on X on Saturday that she cannot be bought off to back a cause she believes in.

"I see how your enemies have gone into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods—because of my unwavering support for your cry for justice," she wrote.

"No reasonable and moral individual who is aware of my impeccable record is duped by the absurd lies being promoted by your translators.


“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. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, don't worry.


The former minister went on to say that she would "wholeheartedly" support the senator going forward.

"Until justice is served, we will not compromise on our unwavering commitment to justice," she declared.

When she claimed that the senate president had made sexual approaches toward her in February, both at his office and at his home in Akwa Ibom state, tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio were made public.

The accusation came after a disagreement about Senate chamber seating arrangements.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate for six months on March 6 for "gross misconduct" related to the fight with the presiding officer.