Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, had a heated exchange on Wednesday.
This comes just a day after the Senate changed its rules on who can hold top leadership positions.
The new rule says only senators who have served at least two straight terms can contest for key leadership roles.
This change means Oshiomhole would not be eligible to run for a top position in the next Senate.
The disagreement in Wednesday started when Oshiomhole tried to raise a point of order while Akpabio was trying to approve the previous day’s Senate records.
Akpabio did not acknowledge him, which led Oshiomhole to continue insisting, even after his microphone was turned off.
The Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, stepped in to restore order and told Oshiomhole to return to his seat, but the senator refused and continued speaking loudly.
“I am now invoking the powers conferred on me as the chief whip of the senate fr you to return to your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said.
Akpabio then addressed the situation, reminding lawmakers about the Senate’s rules and the authority of the Senate President to maintain order, interpret rules, and manage proceedings.
He warned Oshiomhole to respect the rules of the chamber, saying disorderly conduct would not be tolerated.
“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.”
During the session, Senator Patrick Ndubueze from Imo North also raised concerns that part of the previous day’s Senate record included a resolution that was not properly debated or agreed upon, but his objection was dismissed.
Akpabio then put the approval of the Senate’s votes and proceedings to a voice vote and declared the “ayes” as the winners, despite louder opposition from the “nays.”
The clash happened shortly after the Senate approved a major amendment to its standing rules on Tuesday.
The change restricts top Senate positions to lawmakers who have served at least eight continuous years.
The decision followed a closed-door meeting that lasted several hours and has sparked political discussion ahead of possible leadership contests in the next Senate session.
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