Senator Nwebonyi Proposes Community Relocation Near Abuja Airport
Call for Infrastructure Renewal Near Airport
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, has stirred public debate after calling for the relocation of communities surrounding the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. His request was made during the last Senate plenary session on Thursday and has since gone viral.
In the session, Nwebonyi urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to include the affected areas in the ongoing infrastructural renewal efforts across Abuja.
“If you are descending into the airport, the type of infrastructure within the environs does not represent a good image of Nigeria,” Nwebonyi argued. “I think the FCT Minister should capture that in his next budget either relocate the habitats or renew the area.”
He described the area as an “eyesore” that presents a negative image of Nigeria to visitors arriving through the airport.
Senate President Akpabio Rejects Relocation Plan
“This Is Their Village,” Akpabio Insists
In a firm response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disagreed with Nwebonyi’s proposal, emphasizing that the communities in question are people’s ancestral homes.
“This community is some people’s village. The image of the nation does not start from where you are descending,” Akpabio said. “In my state (Akwa Ibom), what you’ll see when descending are creeks and water — should we relocate that too?”
Akpabio’s remarks drew laughter and nods of agreement from fellow senators.
When put to a voice vote, the majority of senators rejected Nwebonyi’s proposal.
Previous Controversy: Nwebonyi vs. Obi Ezekwesili
Tense Exchange Over Akpabio-Uduaghan Sexual Allegation Hearing
Nwebonyi was recently involved in another controversy during a Senate hearing related to sexual misconduct allegations involving Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a heated moment, Nwebonyi clashed with former minister Obiageli Ezekwesili, who was part of the panel leading the inquiry.
After Nwebonyi insisted on presenting his submission, Ezekwesili reportedly told him, “Can you shut up?” The comment triggered a sharp and personal retort from the senator.
“You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood,” he said angrily, drawing widespread criticism online.
Reactions and Public Backlash
The video of Nwebonyi’s proposal and his altercation with Ezekwesili have sparked significant discussion on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing the tone of his remarks and questioning the motive behind relocating entire communities under the guise of image building.
Observers argue that urban renewal should not come at the cost of displacing long-established local populations.
