Tension in Senate as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Procedural Rules

ABUJA — Proceedings in the Nigerian Senate were briefly disrupted on Wednesday following a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of the chamber’s Standing Orders during plenary.

The session became tense when Akpabio moved to adopt the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative day. Oshiomhole objected from his seat, attempting to raise a point of order, but was immediately ruled out of order on the grounds that such interventions are not permitted at that stage of proceedings.

Akpabio reminded lawmakers of the procedural limits, insisting that the rules were clear. Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting further clarification from former Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, who supported the Senate President’s position that no point of order was allowed at that point in the session.

Senate Whip Tahir Monguno also intervened, warning that continued disruption would attract disciplinary measures.

As the disagreement escalated, Akpabio proceeded with the agenda while cautioning lawmakers on the importance of understanding legislative procedure. He said:

> “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.”

He later issued a direct warning to Oshiomhole after repeated interruptions:

> “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

The session eventually regained order after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

Oshiomhole’s objections were linked to recent amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which have become a subject of internal debate within the chamber.

The Senate recently reviewed and adjusted its rules on eligibility for leadership positions, introducing stricter requirements based on legislative experience and ranking. The changes followed a closed-door session where lawmakers revised provisions guiding the selection of principal officers.

Under the amended framework of the Senate of Nigeria, eligibility for key offices such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President is now tied to defined tenure and ranking criteria, effectively limiting participation to lawmakers with prior service in specific legislative cycles.

The amendments have generated political interpretation, particularly regarding their potential impact on incoming senators in future assemblies.

Wednesday’s exchange, while brief, underscored rising sensitivity within the chamber over procedural authority and the implications of the ewly revised standing rules.