Proceedings in the Senate were briefly disrupted on Wednesday following a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of amended Standing Rules.
The disagreement began when Akpabio started reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting. Oshiomhole raised a point of order, but the Senate President ruled him out, citing the 2023 Standing Rules which prohibit such interruptions at that stage.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, prompting Akpabio to seek clarification from former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, who backed the Senate President’s position that points of order were not allowed at that time.
As tensions escalated, Chief Whip Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be applied if the disruption continued. Akpabio also cautioned Oshiomhole against further defiance, warning that the rules could be used to remove him from the chamber if necessary.
Order was eventually restored, allowing the Senate to resume normal proceedings. The Votes and Proceedings were later adopted following a motion by Adamu Aliero, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The confrontation is believed to be connected to recent amendments to the Senate’s Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 elections. The changes to Orders 4 and 5 now restrict eligibility for key leadership positions, including Senate President and Deputy Senate President, to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms in the current Assembly.
