Drama as Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash over amended rules on senate leadership

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, clashed on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the red chamber amended its standing rules to restrict leadership positions to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms.

The amendment effectively prevents Oshiomhole from contesting for a presiding office in the 11th senate.

Oshiomhole’s protest may not be unconnected to parliamentary practice, which treats adopted votes and proceedings as the official and binding record of senate resolutions, unless subsequently reviewed.

The confrontation began when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio called for the confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day.

Akpabio ignored the Edo north senator, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly shout “point of order” even after his microphone was switched off.

Attempts by Mohammed Monguno, senate chief whip, to restore order failed as Oshiomhole continued interrupting 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.

Oshiomhole ignored the chief whip and continued shouting on top of his voice.

Akpabio subsequently cautioned the former Edo governor and cited the senate rules regulating conduct in the chamber.

“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.”

Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo north, also attempted to draw the senate’s attention to what he described as an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings.

Ndubueze said one of the resolutions contained in the document was neither debated nor adopted by the senate, but Akpabio dismissed the objection.

Akpabio, thereafter, subjected the votes and proceedings to a voice vote and ruled in favour of the “ayes” despite louder opposition from the “nays”.

On Tuesday, the senate amended its standing orders to limit eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination.

The amendment followed a closed-door session that lasted about three hours.

The revised rules stipulate that only senators with at least eight years of uninterrupted service in the chamber can contest for the offices of senate president and deputy senate president.

The move comes amid speculations that Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa and Ovie Omo-Agege may seek a return to the red chamber ahead of the 2027 senate presidency race.