The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, clashed on Wednesday during plenary following a dispute over Senate procedure, briefly disrupting proceedings for about 10 minutes.
The disagreement began when Akpabio commenced the reading of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting, after which Oshiomhole raised a point of order.
However, the Senate President reminded him that such interventions are not permitted at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders (2023 as amended). Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole insisted on his objection.
To settle the matter, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, who confirmed that points of order are not allowed during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings. Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, also cautioned Oshiomhole against further disruption, warning of possible disciplinary action.
Akpabio subsequently proceeded with the session, directing lawmakers’ attention to specific pages of the Votes and Proceedings while urging them to familiarise themselves with legislative rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” he said, later warning Oshiomhole against disorderly conduct.
The Senate President added that continued unruly behaviour would be addressed under the chamber’s rules.
The plenary later resumed normal order after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The confrontation is believed to be linked to recent amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for presiding and principal offices in the chamber.
Under the revised rules, only senators with at least two consecutive terms are eligible to contest leadership positions, effectively disqualifying first-term lawmakers, including Oshiomhole, from such roles.
