A heated confrontation broke out on Wednesday in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a tense exchange during plenary, just a day after the chamber amended its standing rules affecting eligibility for leadership positions.
The drama started during the consideration of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting when Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading out the document.
However, Senate rules do not allow points of order at that stage of proceedings, a position Akpabio insisted on despite continued interruptions from the Edo North senator.
The situation escalated as Oshiomhole kept shouting “Point of order!” even after his microphone was switched off, briefly disrupting proceedings.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, to restore order were unsuccessful as Oshiomhole refused to back down.
“I am now invoking the powers conferred on me as the chief whip of the Senate for you to return to your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said, but the former Edo governor continued his protest.
Akpabio later issued a strong warning, reminding lawmakers of the need to adhere to Senate rules and maintain order during proceedings.
“The Senate President is tasked with maintaining order during debates and interpreting the rules of the Senate. Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the Senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning,” he said.
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, was also called upon to clarify the rule, confirming that points of order cannot be raised during the adoption of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole maintained his objection, while Senator Patrick Ndubueze also raised concerns about an alleged omission in the previous day’s record, claiming a resolution was listed without being properly debated or adopted.
Akpabio dismissed the objections and proceeded to adopt the Votes and Proceedings through a voice vote, ruling in favour of the “ayes” despite louder opposition from the “nays.”
The confrontation is believed to be linked to the Senate’s controversial amendment of its standing rules on Tuesday after a closed-door session that reportedly lasted about three hours.
Under the revised Orders 4 and 5 of the Senate Standing Rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination are now eligible to contest for presiding and principal offices in the chamber.
The amendment is seen as a major political shift within the Senate, effectively excluding first-term senators like Oshiomhole from leadership contests, and has also fueled speculation ahead of the 2027 Senate presidency race involving key political figures.
