Tension erupted in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed over newly amended leadership rules restricting eligibility for presiding offices to lawmakers with uninterrupted two-term service.
A heated confrontation erupted in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed over newly amended leadership rules in the upper legislative chamber.
The disagreement followed the Senate’s decision to amend its standing orders to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have completed at least two consecutive terms with uninterrupted service.
The amendment, adopted after a closed-door session that reportedly lasted nearly three hours, effectively limits contest opportunities for lawmakers who do not meet the new eight-year legislative requirement.
Tension escalated during plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was seeking confirmation of the Votes and Proceedings from the previous legislative day.
Despite repeated attempts by the Edo North senator to gain recognition, Akpabio declined to acknowledge him, prompting Oshiomhole to continue shouting “point of order” even after his microphone was muted.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore order proved unsuccessful as the disruption continued on the Senate floor.
Invoking his authority, Monguno directed Oshiomhole to return to his seat and warned him against further interruptions during proceedings.
Akpabio subsequently addressed the chamber, stressing that the Senate president possesses constitutional authority to maintain order, interpret legislative rules, and supervise debates within the chamber.
According to Akpabio, lawmakers must fully understand Senate procedures before challenging decisions, especially on issues relating to contested elections and leadership matters.
The Senate president also issued what he described as a “final warning” to Oshiomhole, cautioning that unruly conduct could lead to disciplinary action, including removal from the chamber.
The tension further widened when Senator Patrick Ndubueze raised concerns over an alleged omission in Tuesday’s Votes and Proceedings, claiming that one of the resolutions reflected in the document had neither been debated nor formally adopted.
However, Akpabio dismissed the objection and proceeded to subject the Votes and Proceedings to a voice vote.
Under the revised Senate rules, only lawmakers with at least eight years of uninterrupted legislative service can contest for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
The amendment has continued to generate debate within political circles, with observers suggesting it could significantly reshape future leadership contests in the National Assembly.
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