Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, clashed on Wednesday just 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules to restrict leadership positions to lawmakers with at least two consecutive terms.
The amendment effectively bars Oshiomhole from contesting for a presiding office in the 11th Senate, a development widely believed to have triggered his protest.
The confrontation began when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order as Akpabio called for confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day. The Senate President ignored him, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly shout “point of order” even after his microphone was switched off.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore order failed, as Oshiomhole continued to interrupt proceedings.
Akpabio subsequently cautioned the former Edo governor, citing Senate rules governing conduct within the chamber.
“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages, are clearly defined,” Akpabio said.
“The senate president is empowered to sign warrants, subpoenas, resolutions, and other official documents issued by order of the Senate.
“He is also responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules of debate. Let me be clear, Senator Oshiomhole — many people may not have seen this order, which is why I am reading it out.
“The senate president is tasked with maintaining order during debates and giving rulings on points of constitutional order when they are raised.
“He also has a casting vote in the event of a tie, but does not vote in any other circumstance. Most importantly, he has the authority to interpret the rules—this is clearly stated.
“So, senator, we should not come into this chamber, especially on matters as serious as contested elections, without a proper understanding of the rules.
“Let me emphasize once again, Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo North, also raised concerns about what he described as an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings, arguing that one of the resolutions listed was neither debated nor adopted. Akpabio dismissed the objection.
He subsequently put the votes and proceedings to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the “ayes,” despite louder opposition from the “nays.”
The rule change, adopted after a three-hour closed-door session, now stipulates that only senators with at least eight years of uninterrupted service can contest for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.
