‘I’LL REMOVE YOU FROM SENATE’ — AKPABIO, OSHIOMHOLE IN DRAMATIC EXCHANGE
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By; Ganiyat Sunmola
The Senate was plunged into confusion on Wednesday for over 15 minutes following a tense exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of the chamber’s amended Standing Rules.
The disorder began when Akpabio started reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting. Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, raised a point of order but was ruled out of order by the Senate President, who cited the 2023 Standing Rules that prohibit such interventions at that stage of proceedings.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to seek clarification from former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who backed the Senate President’s position, affirming that points of order were not allowed during that phase.
As the lawmaker continued to press his objection, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be applied if the disruption continued.
Akpabio, visibly firm, cautioned: “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.”
He later issued a stronger warning to Oshiomhole, saying, “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Order was eventually restored, allowing the chamber to proceed with its legislative business. Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The confrontation is believed to be linked to recent amendments to the Senate Standing Rules ahead of the 2027 general elections. On Tuesday, the Senate revised Orders 4 and 5, restricting eligibility for presiding and principal offices to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms, including the current tenure.
The amendment effectively limits key leadership positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning members of the 10th National Assembly.
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