Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed on Wednesday during plenary, a day after the Senate introduced new rules for leadership positions.
The disagreement started while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting. Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order, but the Senate President ruled him out, saying the rules do not allow interruptions at that stage.
Oshiomhole continued speaking despite the warning, leading Akpabio to invite Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to explain the Senate procedure. Kalu confirmed that senators are not allowed to interrupt while the official record is being read.
Oshiomhole still objected, prompting Senate Whip Tahir Monguno to caution him against breaking Senate rules and warned that disciplinary action could follow.
Akpabio then continued with the session and advised senators to understand the chamber’s procedures.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also issued a direct warning to Oshiomhole, saying, “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Calm later returned to the chamber as Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, while Senator Abba Moro seconded the motion.
The disagreement is believed to be connected to the Senate’s newly amended rule, which states that only senators who have completed at least two consecutive terms will be eligible to contest for principal leadership positions in the chamber.
The new rule effectively stops Oshiomhole from contesting for any top Senate leadership office.
