Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules to restrict leadership positions to senators with at least two consecutive terms in office.
The amendment effectively blocks Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, from contesting for a presiding office in the 11th Senate.
The confrontation started when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio called for the confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day.
Akpabio ignored the Edo North senator, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly shout “point of order” even after his microphone was switched off.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to calm the situation failed as Oshiomhole continued interrupting proceedings.
“I am now invoking the powers conferred on me as the chief whip of the senate for you to return to your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said.
Oshiomhole ignored the directive and continued shouting in the chamber.
Akpabio then cautioned the former Edo governor and cited Senate rules regulating conduct in the chamber.
“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages, are clearly defined,” Akpabio said.
“The senate president is empowered to sign warrants, subpoenas, resolutions, and other official documents issued by order of the Senate.
“He is also responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules of debate. Let me be clear, Senator Oshiomhole — many people may not have seen this order, which is why I am reading it out.
“The senate president is tasked with maintaining order during debates and giving rulings on points of constitutional order when they are raised.
“He also has a casting vote in the event of a tie, but does not vote in any other circumstance. Most importantly, he has the authority to interpret the rules—this is clearly stated.
“So, senator, we should not come into this chamber, especially on matters as serious as contested elections, without a proper understanding of the rules.
“Let me emphasize once again, Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning.”
Senator Patrick Ndubueze, representing Imo North, also raised concerns over what he described as an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings.
Ndubueze said one of the resolutions contained in the document was neither debated nor adopted by the Senate, but Akpabio dismissed the objection.
Akpabio later subjected the votes and proceedings to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the “ayes” despite louder opposition from the “nays”.
On Tuesday, the Senate amended its standing orders to limit eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.
The amendment followed a closed-door session that lasted about three hours.
Under the revised rules, only senators with at least 8 years of uninterrupted service in the chamber can contest for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The move comes as speculation grows that Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege may seek a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 Senate presidency race.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
