Drama in Senate as Akpabio, Ndume Clash Over Nigeria-Benin Border Motion

The Nigerian Senate witnessed a heated clash on Tuesday between the President of the Red Chamber, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, regarding a motion on reopening the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.

The dispute, which nearly escalated into a chaotic scene, prompted the Senate President to call for an extended closed-door executive session that spanned several hours.

The motion concerning the border was introduced as a matter of urgent national importance under the Senate Standing Rules by Senator Summaila Kawu (NNPP Kano South) for discussion among Senators. Strikingly, the motion lacked a specific title, which led Senator Ndume to raise a Point of Order in an attempt to rectify what he perceived as an “error.”

Senator Ndume, utilizing Order 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, called upon the Senate President to allow corrections for any errors identified during the plenary session. He argued, “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guided by laws, rules, and procedures. If errors are observed during any session, they must be corrected before proceeding with the proceedings.”

In response, the Senate President swiftly declined the request, asserting that once he ruled on the issues raised, they could not be revisited. Consequently, Senator Ndume’s appeal was ruled out of order.

Efforts by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC Kogi West) to support Ndume’s position through another Point of Order were also met with a quick dismissal by the Senate President.

In an attempt to restore order and harmony, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, invoked Order 16, which necessitates a substantive motion for the correction or review of prior decisions.

Senator Akpabio’s endorsement of Barau’s Point of Order further infuriated Senator Ndume, who then invoked Order 54 to request a correction for the perceived error.

Once again, the Senate President ruled Senator Ndume out of order without allowing him to present his full argument. Frustrated by this decision, Senator Ndume abruptly gathered his documents and stormed out of the chamber.

Baffled by the unfolding situation, Senators convened a hastily arranged closed-door session that extended for several hours and disrupted the scheduled items on the Order Paper for the day.