A heated confrontation broke out on Wednesday evening during plenary as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clashed.
Dockaysworld learnt that the exchange nearly escalated into a physical fight.
The face-off reportedly occurred during an executive session held to deliberate on whether the Senate should proceed with its annual two-month recess this week or extend sitting into the following week. What was expected to be a routine discussion quickly led to a public display of disagreements within the leadership of the upper lawmaking body.
According to sources familiar with the session, the clash was due to a lack of consensus within the Senate’s hierarchy regarding the timing of the adjournment.
Senator Ali Ndume was said to have criticised the leadership for failing to hold a pre-session meeting to harmonise their positions. He reportedly warned that “that was not how things should be done,” and urged for better coordination and communication within the leadership of the chamber.
Responding to Ndume’s remarks, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the Senate President’s leadership style.
“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele reportedly declared during the session. “He does not call leadership meetings; he doesn’t consult with anyone. He is autocratic. In fact, I am contemplating resigning as Senate Leader.”
Akpabio, visibly angered by the outburst, fired back.
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I am speaking. I am in charge here,” the Senate President retorted. “I have served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I know the Senate rules and leadership more than you.”
It was learnt that the confrontation escalated to the point where both senators appeared ready to physically confront each other before colleagues intervened.
No official statement had been released regarding the incident.
