The resumption of the Senate from its Easter and Sallah break on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, was nearly disrupted by a rowdy scene as senators engaged in heated dispute over seating arrangements.
Plenary began at approximately 11:00 am following the arrival of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who commenced proceedings with the customary prayers and acknowledged senators with birthdays during the recess.
Tensions escalated when Senator Sahabi Ya’u (APC – Zamfara North) engaged in a heated exchange with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central) over seating arrangements, prompting Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) to join in the confrontation.
The commotion stemmed from dissatisfaction with the new seating arrangement in the recently renovated main chamber, particularly among ranking senators who felt aggrieved by their assigned seats.
Senate President Akpabio intervened, urging the angry senators to address their concerns individually. However, Senator Ya’u remained defiant, prolonging the rowdy session for about 20 minutes.
Following the resolution of the dispute, the Senate President delivered his welcome speech, after which the Senate Leader proposed an executive session, typically held behind closed doors.
In a subsequent statement, Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) refuted claims of a physical altercation or heated exchange, asserting that seating arrangements were made in accordance with established legislative protocols and senatorial rankings.
The Senate, which had adjourned plenary until April 16, postponed resumption twice to accommodate the completion of the chamber’s renovation, which commenced in 2022.
