Toba Owojaiye reporting
The Nigerian Senate has made crucial alterations to its standing rules during its recent legislative proceedings.
One of the most notable changes is an amendment to Rule 3(2) (1-3) of the Senate Standing Orders, initiated by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
This amendment explicitly bars first-term Senators from contesting for the prestigious positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
To be eligible for these esteemed roles, Senators must now have prior experience serving at least one term in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This rule adjustment marks a significant shift in the Senate’s leadership dynamics.
However, this revision hasn’t been without controversy. Critics argue that it may conflict with the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Sections 47 to 52, and more specifically, Section 50(1)(a), which explicitly mandates the election of a President and Deputy President of the Senate from among the members of the house.
It’s worth noting that this amendment comes shortly after Godwill Akpabio’s election as Senate President in June 2023. Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, emerged as the preferred candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a close race, securing 63 votes and defeating Abdulazeez Yari, the former Governor of Zamfara State, who received 46 votes.