Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash over amended Senate leadership rules

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday clashed over newly amended Senate standing rules governing eligibility for presiding and principal officers.

The Senate had on Tuesday amended its rules to restrict eligibility for leadership positions to lawmakers who have served at least two consecutive terms with uninterrupted tenure. The change effectively bars Oshiomhole from contesting for a presiding office in the 11th Senate, should the amendment stand.

The disagreement played out during plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order as Akpabio moved to confirm the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative day. The Senate President, however, proceeded without recognising him.

Frustrated, Oshiomhole repeatedly insisted on his point of order even after his microphone was switched off, causing brief disorder in the chamber. Attempts by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, to restore order were unsuccessful as the former Edo State governor continued to interrupt proceedings.

“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 while trying to calm the situation.

Akpabio later cautioned Oshiomhole, citing Senate rules on conduct and order, and stressed that the Senate President has the authority to regulate debate, interpret rules, and maintain discipline in the chamber. He warned that unruly conduct would not be tolerated.

“The Senate President is empowered to ensure adherence to the rules of debate… if any member becomes unruly, such a member will be asked to leave,” Akpabio stated, issuing what he described as a final warning.

Meanwhile, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC–Imo) raised concern over an alleged omission in the Votes and Proceedings, claiming that a resolution included in the document had not been properly debated or adopted. The objection was dismissed by the Senate President, who proceeded to subject the document to a voice vote.

The controversy follows Tuesday’s closed-door session lasting about three hours, after which the Senate amended its standing orders to limit eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators with at least two consecutive terms and eight years of uninterrupted service in the chamber.