Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator representing the Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, have clashed on Wednesday over the amended Senate standing rules restricting eligibility for presiding offices.
Trouble sparked off when the Senate President began reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting. Oshiomhole interjected by raising a point of order, but Akpabio told him that such interventions are not allowed at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
But Oshiomhole persisted and Akpabio asked former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to clarify the rule.
Kalu said no point of order is allowed during the consideration of Votes and Proceedings
Still, Oshiomhole pressed on with his objection, and Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cautioned him to stop further disruption, warning that Oshiomhole could be disciplined.
Akpabio continued with the session, ordering attention to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings, while urging lawmakers to be familiar with the rules.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” he said, just as he warned Oshiomhole against further disorderly behaviours.
Akpabio told the Edo senator that “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.
The proceedings then continued without further incident, as Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, and seconded by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
Oshiomhole’s confrontation is not unconnected with the Senate’s amendment of its standing rules, which stopped fresh senators from holding leadership roles in the Senate.
Under the amended rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination are eligible to contest presiding offices.
The development effectively disqualifies Oshiomhole from vying for a presiding office.
