Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, engaged in a heated exchange on Wednesday, just a day after the Senate revised its Standing Orders to tighten eligibility criteria for presiding positions.
According to the Punch, the disagreement erupted when Akpabio commenced the reading of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s legislative sitting.
The altercation briefly disrupted plenary for about 10 minutes.
Oshiomhole raised a point of order, but Akpabio immediately ruled him out of order, noting that such interventions are not permitted at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
As Oshiomhole insisted on speaking, the Senate President invited former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to clarify the provision. Kalu reportedly affirmed that points of order are not allowed during consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole persisted in his objection, prompting Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, to caution him against further disruption, warning that disciplinary action could follow.
Akpabio thereafter proceeded with the session, directing senators to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings, while stressing the importance of understanding parliamentary rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” he said.
The Senate President also issued a stern warning to Oshiomhole over his conduct, cautioning that continued disorderliness would not be tolerated.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.
The session later resumed smoothly after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
Oshiomhole’s outburst is believed to be linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of its Standing Orders, which introduced stricter qualification requirements for leadership positions in the 11th Senate.
Following a closed-door session, the Senate amended Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, tightening eligibility for presiding and principal offices.
The revised Order 4 stipulates that nominations for presiding officers must follow ranking strictly, beginning from former Senate Presidents down to second-term senators.
Order 5 further provides that only lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms are eligible to contest for principal offices.
The new framework effectively excludes Oshiomhole and other first-term senators from vying for presiding positions in the chamber.
