On Tuesday, the Senate introduced an amendment to its rules, which prohibits first-time senators from running for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The amendment, specifically to Section 3, Sub-sections 2 and 3, was initiated through a motion presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The motion, titled “Amendment of the Standing Orders of the Senate under Order 109 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022,” prompted this rule change.
Notably, during the contest leading to Akpabio’s election as Senate President, a first-time senator, Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State, contested for the position. The Senate rule book stipulates that the nomination of presiding officers must adhere to the senators’ seniority ranking.
It states, “In determining the ranking, the following Order shall apply: (i) senators returning based on the number of times re-elected; (ii) senators who had been members of the House of Representatives and (iii) Senators elected as senators for the first time.”
However, Bamidele in his motion stated that the Senate Standing Rule was amended on Saturday, August 5, 2023, to create new Committees and other sundry Amendments.
He said, “There are several issues that require further Amendments to provide for the creation of additional Committees of the Senate in response to emerging developments that will enhance rules of procedure for sound legislative practice.
“These developments have made it imperative to further amend the Standing Orders of the Senal 2022 (as amended) occasioned by the creation of additional Senate Standing Committees and to have the functions and jurisdictions reflected in the Standing Orders of the Senate.
“The amendments have been circulated to Senators by Order 109 Rule 2 the Senate Standing Orders.”
“Senator Bamidele further urged the Senate to “restrain first-time lawmakers from contesting for any of the presiding officers; Senate President and Deputy Senate President.”
The lawmakers then unanimously agreed to amend their rule to accommodate the prayers as moved by the Senate leader.
