By Peace Udugba
Tension flared in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday following a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the accuracy of proceedings from a previous sitting.
The disagreement began when Akpabio started reading the official record of the Senate’s last session. Oshiomhole interrupted, arguing that the document did not accurately capture lawmakers’ resolutions, particularly discussions surrounding new rules governing eligibility for the office of Senate President.
Attempting to raise a procedural objection, Oshiomhole was ruled out of order by Akpabio, who maintained that Senate rules do not permit such interruptions at that stage of proceedings. Backing the Senate President’s position, former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu stated that Oshiomhole’s conduct was inconsistent with established parliamentary procedures.
Despite repeated calls to yield the floor, Oshiomhole remained defiant, prompting Chief Whip Tahir Monguno to intervene. Monguno warned that the Senate could resort to stronger disciplinary measures if the disruption persisted.
Akpabio subsequently reiterated the importance of adhering to legislative procedures, emphasizing that senators must wait for the appropriate time to raise objections. He cautioned that continued disregard for the rules could result in sanctions, including possible removal from proceedings.
However, Oshiomhole stood his ground, insisting that the Senate should not adopt a record he believed to be inaccurate, thereby prolonging the standoff and heightening tensions in the chamber.
