By Joy Yesufu and Kamsi Anayo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, engaged in a tense exchange on Wednesday during plenary, less than 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules on eligibility for presiding offices.
The disagreement began when Akpabio commenced the reading of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting.
Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order but was immediately ruled out of order by the Senate President, who cited provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), which prohibit such interventions at that stage of proceedings.
As Oshiomhole persisted, Akpabio invited former Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rule. Kalu affirmed that points of order are not entertained during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, the Edo lawmaker continued to press his objection, prompting Senate Whip Tahir Monguno to caution him against disrupting proceedings and warn of possible disciplinary action.
Akpabio subsequently continued with the session, directing senators to relevant sections of the Votes and Proceedings and urging members to familiarise themselves with the chamber’s rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules. ”He said
The Senate President also issued a direct warning to Oshiomhole, stating that any further disorderly conduct could attract sanctions under the rules of the chamber.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.
Plenary later resumed without further incident, as Senator Adamu Aliero moved a motion for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The confrontation is believed to be connected to the Senate’s recent amendment of its standing rules, which introduced stricter eligibility criteria for presiding officers in the 11th Senate.
Under the revised provisions, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding their nomination are eligible to contest for leadership positions—a requirement that effectively rules out Oshiomhole from such contests.
