The Senate was thrown into confusion on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated argument over the interpretation of the chamber’s amended Standing Rules.
The standoff, which lasted more than 15 minutes, began when Akpabio started reading the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting. Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North under the APC, interrupted by raising a point of order.
Akpabio immediately ruled him out of order, citing the 2023 Standing Rules, which bar senators from raising points of order at that stage. Oshiomhole, however, refused to back down and continued to press his point.
In response, the Senate President called on former Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the provision. Kalu backed Akpabio, insisting that the rules do not permit such interruptions during the reading of proceedings.
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Despite repeated warnings, Oshiomhole continued speaking, prompting Chief Whip Tahir Monguno to caution that the Senate could invoke disciplinary measures if the disruption persisted.
Akpabio, visibly displeased, told Oshiomhole that lawmakers should not “go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.”
He then issued a direct warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Calm was eventually restored, allowing the chamber to continue its session. Senator Adamu Aliero later moved a motion for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The altercation is believed to be connected to recent changes to the Senate’s Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On Tuesday, lawmakers amended Orders 4 and 5 to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms, including the immediate past term.
The revision effectively narrows the race for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning members of the current 10th Assembly.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.