Tensions flared in Nigeria’s Senate as a heated confrontation erupted between Adams Oshiomhole and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, barely 24 hours after lawmakers amended the chamber’s standing orders to tighten eligibility for the Senate Presidency.
The standoff began during plenary when Akpabio commenced reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous sitting. Oshiomhole rose 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 bar such interruptions at that stage.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu to clarify the rule. Kalu’s explanation, however, did little to calm the situation as Oshiomhole continued pressing his objection.
The Senate Whip, Tahir Monguno, then intervened, cautioning Oshiomhole against further disruption and warning that disciplinary measures could be enforced if the situation escalated.
Akpabio proceeded with the session, directing lawmakers to consult specific sections of the Votes and Proceedings while urging adherence to the chamber’s rules. But Oshiomhole remained defiant, insisting on being heard.
An increasingly tense exchange followed, with Akpabio issuing a stern warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
The incident underscores growing friction within the upper chamber, as recent rule changes appear to deepen divisions among lawmakers and raise questions about procedure, power, and control within Nigeria’s legislative body.
