Akpabio clashes with Senator during plenary
A heated argument broke out in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Edo North lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary.
The face-off happened one day after new rules were introduced to guide leadership positions.
The issue began while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous sitting.
Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order, but the Senate President stopped him, explaining that such interruptions are not allowed at that stage based on the updated Senate rules.
Oshiomhole did not back down and continued to push his point.
This led Akpabio to invite Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Chief Whip, to explain the rule to the chamber.
Kalu confirmed that senators are not allowed to raise a point of order during the reading of Votes and Proceedings.
Even after the clarification, Oshiomhole kept insisting, which drew a warning from Senate Whip Tahir Monguno.
Monguno cautioned him to stop disrupting the session or risk facing disciplinary action.
Akpabio then continued with the session, directing lawmakers to follow along with the document and reminding them to understand the rules guiding the Senate.
The Senate President also warned Oshiomhole to avoid further disruption, making it clear that the chamber would rely on its rules to maintain order if needed.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.
Calm later returned to the chamber as the session moved forward.
Adamu Aliero moved a motion to adopt the Votes and Proceedings, and it was supported by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The clash is believed to be connected to the recent change in the Senate’s standing rules.
The new rule states that only lawmakers who have completed at least two straight terms before nomination can contest for presiding positions in the current Senate.
This change affects Oshiomhole, as he does not meet the requirement, making him ineligible for such positions in the 11th Senate under the Nigerian Senate.
