The Nigerian Senate descended into a tense and disorderly session that lasted over 15 minutes on Wednesday 6th May following a sharp confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of recently amended Standing Orders.
The disruption began during the routine consideration of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s plenary. As Akpabio commenced reading, Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, abruptly raised a point of order. Akpabio firmly reminded him that, in line with the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended, points of order are not typically entertained at the stage of reviewing Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole persisted, challenging the interpretation of the rules and insisting on being heard.
Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno stepped in, saying: “I am now invoking the powers conferred on me as the Chief Whip of the Senate for you to return to your seat. Be guided.”
However, Oshiomhole ignored the directive and continued protesting loudly from his seat. Former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was also called upon to provide procedural clarity, confirming that lawmakers cannot raise points of order during the adoption of Votes and Proceedings. Oshiomhole remained defiant nonetheless.
A visibly displeased Akpabio then issued a stern warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.” He later added in a final warning: “Let me emphasise once again, Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the Senate, such a member will be asked to leave.”
Oshiomhole subsequently yielded, and Akpabio ruled him out of order before proceeding to put the Votes and Proceedings to a voice vote, with the majority of senators supporting its adoption.
The clash is widely believed to be connected to the Senate’s controversial amendment of its standing rules on Tuesday, following a closed-door session that reportedly lasted about three hours.
Under the amended Orders 4 and 5, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination are now eligible to contest for presiding and principal offices in the Senate.
The revised rules effectively disqualify first-term senators, including Oshiomhole, from contesting for key leadership positions within the 11th Senate.
The confrontation also follows an earlier clash between both lawmakers on Tuesday, when Akpabio rejected a call from Oshiomhole for Nigeria to take retaliatory measures against South Africa over ongoing xenophobic attacks.
