Fresh controversy broke out in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday after an attempt to amend key sections of the Senate Standing Orders was abruptly halted due to strong opposition from several lawmakers, including Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro.
A legislative schedule titled “Orders of the Day” for the November 18, 2025 plenary, seen by SaharaReporters, showed that Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele had put forward a motion for the “Presentation and Consideration of Amendments to the Senate Standing Orders 2023 to Accommodate New Committees and Enhance Legislative Practice.”
According to the document, the Senate leadership argued that the Standing Orders required an update because they serve as the main procedural guide for legislative activities, committee organisation, and Senate operations. The proposed changes were described as necessary to reflect evolving national needs, new institutional developments, and the creation of additional special-purpose commissions.
The draft amendments also highlighted the need to harmonise the jurisdictions of Senate committees with those of the House of Representatives. Other areas flagged for revision included:
- Rules for senators-elect participating in the election of presiding officers
- Qualification and ranking criteria for presiding officer positions
- Sitting times
- Permission for presiding officers and nominees to drink water during sessions
- Conditions for suspending senators
- Committee structure and geopolitical representation
However, what started as a routine presentation quickly descended into a confrontation. A senator who attended the session told SaharaReporters that Minority Leader Moro cited Point of Order 108, arguing that the amendment process did not follow due procedure. His objections reportedly escalated tensions across the chamber, prompting the leadership to withdraw the motion.
Another source close to the proceedings said many lawmakers believed the amendment effort was a covert political strategy rather than a genuine procedural review.
According to the source, “The Senate is trying to alter the rules to prevent certain senators from contesting, voting, or participating in the election of presiding officers.” This alleged plan triggered widespread anger among senators.
The backlash was said to be so strong that the leadership had no choice but to step the proposal down—at least temporarily.
“It was rejected by many senators and shelved. This happened during today’s (Tuesday’s) sitting,” the source added.
