A fresh disagreement erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo North) clashed over newly amended rules governing the election of the upper chamber’s presiding officers.
On Tuesday, the Senate amended its standing rules, stipulating that only senators with at least two consecutive terms in office, with an uninterrupted tenure, would be eligible for leadership positions. This amendment effectively blocks Senator Oshiomhole from contesting for any presiding office in the upcoming 11th Senate, should the proposal be passed.
Oshiomhole, a former Edo State Governor, voiced his objections during a plenary session, attempting to raise a point of order. However, Senate President Akpabio proceeded with the confirmation of the Senate’s votes and proceedings from the previous day, ignoring Oshiomhole’s repeated calls.
The situation escalated when Oshiomhole continued to raise the point of order, even after his microphone was turned off. Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore order were unsuccessful, as Oshiomhole persisted in interrupting the session.
Monguno intervened, invoking his powers as the Senate’s Chief Whip and urging Oshiomhole to return to his seat. “Be guided,” Monguno said, but the situation remained tense.
In response, Akpabio reminded Oshiomhole of the Senate’s conduct rules and the powers vested in the Senate President. He emphasized his role in maintaining order during debates and interpreting the Senate’s rules, including the ability to cast a vote in case of a tie, but not on any other matter.
Akpabio warned Oshiomhole, stating, “If any member becomes unruly in the Senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning.”
Meanwhile, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC–Imo) raised a concern regarding what he called an omission in the previous day’s votes and proceedings. He argued that one of the resolutions in the document had neither been debated nor adopted by the Senate. However, Akpabio dismissed the objection and moved forward with a voice vote to confirm the proceedings.
The Senate had amended its rules to limit the eligibility for leadership positions to senators who have served at least eight consecutive years in office, without interruption. This amendment was passed after a closed-door session lasting over three hours.
The new rule would only allow senators with a minimum of eight years of continuous service to run for the positions of Senate President or Deputy Senate President.
