Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated clash on Wednesday, just a day after the Senate amended its standing rules to tighten eligibility for leadership positions.
The disagreement began when Akpabio started reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s session. Oshiomhole raised a point of order, but the Senate President reminded him that such interventions are not allowed at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
When Oshiomhole insisted, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to clarify the rule.
Kalu reportedly confirmed that no point of order is permitted during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite this explanation, Oshiomhole continued to object, prompting Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, to caution him and warn that disciplinary action could be taken.
Akpabio then continued the session, directing lawmakers to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings, while urging them to understand the rules guiding the chamber.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” he said.
The Senate President also warned Oshiomhole against further disruption, stating, “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
The sitting later proceeded smoothly after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
Oshiomhole’s confrontation is believed to be connected to the recent amendment of the Senate’s standing rules, which introduced stricter eligibility conditions for leadership positions in the 11th Senate.
Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination are eligible to contest presiding offices, effectively disqualifying Oshiomhole from such positions.
