Proceedings in the Senate turned tense following a sharp disagreement between President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the newly amended eligibility rule for the Senate Presidency.
The brief calm in the chamber was disrupted as Akpabio commenced the reading of Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting which Senator Oshiomhole believes did not accurately reflect what had been agreed upon during amendment to Senate President position eligibility.
Midway into the process, Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised a Point of Order, prompting the President of the Senate to immediately remind him that, under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Points of Order are not entertained during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the caution, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, leading Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rules.
Kalu upheld the position of the President of the Senate, reiterating that no Point of Order could be raised at that stage.
The situation escalated as Oshiomhole refused to yield the floor.
The Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, then intervened, warning that he would be compelled to invoke his authority if the disruption continued, and urged Oshiomhole to be guided by the rules.
In response, Akpabio proceeded to read out the Order of Business to reinforce his position, stating that proceedings must follow a set sequence ranging from the formal entry of the President of the Senate and prayers, to the approval of Votes and Proceedings, and ultimately to Matters of Urgent Public Importance, which is the only stage where a Point of Order may be raised.
He stressed that Senators, having spent over three years in the chamber, should be fully conversant with its rules, adding that his tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness.
Akpabio noted that just as uniformed officers adhere to their codes, lawmakers must also operate strictly within established parliamentary procedures.
However, Oshiomhole pushed back, insisting that the Senate could not adopt Votes and Proceedings that did not accurately reflect what had been agreed upon, arguing that he is being denied the right to make corrections.
As the exchanges grew louder, the Chief Whip formally invoked his authority, directing Oshiomhole to resume his seat and comply with the ruling of the presiding officer.
Akpabio eventually issued a stern warning, cautioning Oshiomhole against further disruption and stating that the Senate would not hesitate to apply its rules to enforce discipline if necessary.
Order was eventually restored, allowing the Senate to proceed, as Senator Adamu Aliero moved a motion for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The clash comes amid broader controversy surrounding a recent amendment to the Senate Standing Orders, which now restricts eligibility for the Senate Presidency and other principal offices to lawmakers who have served in the 10th National Assembly and completed at least two terms consecutively.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
