Proceedings in the Senate on Wednesday were briefly disrupted following a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of the chamber’s amended Standing Rules.
The disagreement, which lasted over 15 minutes, began when Akpabio commenced reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting. Oshiomhole, representing Edo North under the All Progressives Congress (APC), interrupted by raising a point of order. However, the Senate President ruled him out of order, citing the 2023 Standing Rules that prohibit such interventions during that stage of proceedings.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to invite former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rules. Kalu supported the Senate President, affirming that points of order were not allowed at that moment.
As tensions escalated, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked if the disruption continued.
In a stern remark, Akpabio admonished Oshiomhole, saying, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.” He further cautioned, “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Order was eventually restored, allowing the chamber to proceed with its legislative business. Senator Adamu Aliero subsequently moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
The clash is believed to be connected to the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 general elections. On Tuesday, lawmakers revised 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 amendment effectively limits eligibility for key positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning members of the current 10th National Assembly.
