Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, clashed during plenary on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Senate amended its Standing Orders to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices in the 11th Senate.
The confrontation occurred while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting.
Oshiomhole raised a point of order, but Akpabio reminded him that such intervention was not allowed at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023, as amended.
When Oshiomhole insisted on making his point, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to clarify the rule.
Kalu reportedly confirmed that no point of order could be raised during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings.
Despite the clarification, Oshiomhole continued to press his objection, prompting the Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, to caution him against further disruption.
Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked if the proceedings were obstructed.
Akpabio then proceeded with the session, directing senators to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings, while urging lawmakers to familiarise themselves with the Senate rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also issued a stern warning to Oshiomhole against disorderly conduct.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio warned.
The session later continued without further incident.
Senator Adamu Aliero subsequently moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, and the motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
The confrontation is believed to be connected to the Senate’s amendment of its Standing Orders on Tuesday.
Under the new rules, a senator seeking to contest for presiding office, including Senate President or Deputy Senate President, must have served at least one term of four years in the Senate.
For principal offices, such as Chief Whip, Deputy Whip and Minority Whip, a senator must have served two consecutive terms immediately preceding the nomination.
The amendment has been interpreted as giving ranking senators and current Senate leaders an advantage ahead of the 11th Senate leadership race.
It also effectively narrows the field for senators who may be interested in presiding or principal offices after the 2027 general elections, including Oshiomhole, who is currently serving his first term in the Senate.
