Proceedings in the Nigerian Senate were briefly disrupted on Wednesday following a heated exchange between Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole over the interpretation of the amended Standing Orders.
The tension began while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting, when Oshiomhole raised a point of order.
The Senate President, however, ruled him out of order, citing provisions in the 2023 Standing Orders as amended, which do not permit points of order during that stage of proceedings.
Despite repeated reminders, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rules.
Kalu supported the Senate President’s position, stating that no point of order should be entertained at that stage.
The situation escalated further when Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, warned Oshiomhole to desist or face disciplinary action under Senate rules.
Akpabio subsequently issued a warning, stating that any further disruption could lead to Oshiomhole being removed from the chamber.
“If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” he cautioned.
