A tense moment unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated confrontation following a recent amendment to the chamber’s standing rules restricting eligibility for leadership positions.
The disagreement erupted during plenary shortly after Akpabio began the reading of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day.
Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order, but was promptly interrupted by the senate president, who reminded him that such interventions are not permitted at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
The exchange quickly escalated, drawing attention from other lawmakers and briefly disrupting proceedings.
Despite repeated explanations from the presiding officer and senior lawmakers, Oshiomhole persisted in his objection, insisting on being heard. The situation prompted intervention from former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, who clarified that points of order are not allowed during the consideration of votes and proceedings.
However, Oshiomhole maintained his position, leading to further tension on the floor of the chamber.
The disruption lasted for about 10 minutes before order was restored. Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cautioned Oshiomhole against further interruptions, warning that disciplinary action could be invoked if he continued to defy procedural rules.
Akpabio subsequently proceeded with the session, directing senators’ attention to specific pages of the Votes and Proceedings and urging them to familiarise themselves with legislative rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” Akpabio said during the session, in a remark widely interpreted as a reminder on parliamentary discipline and preparedness.
The senate president later issued a stern warning directly to Oshiomhole, cautioning him against further disorderly conduct in the chamber.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” he said.
The proceedings eventually resumed without further incident, with Senator Adamu Aliero moving for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, an action seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The clash is believed to be linked to recent amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which were adopted after a closed-door session. The changes introduced stricter eligibility criteria for presiding and principal offices in the 11th Senate, significantly altering the internal leadership contest framework.
Under the revised Orders 4 and 5, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination are eligible to contest for presiding offices. The rules also stipulate that nominations must follow a ranking system, prioritising former senate presidents and experienced lawmakers.
Additionally, the amended provisions restrict eligibility for principal offices to senators who have completed at least two consecutive terms. This development effectively disqualifies first-term senators, including Oshiomhole, from vying for leadership positions within the Senate hierarchy.
