Senate Presidency: Drama as Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash over new eligibility rules

Proceedings in the Nigerian Senate were disrupted for over 15 minutes today May 6 following a heated exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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The incident began when Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous legislative session.

Tension surfaced when the Senate moved to a segment on recent amendments to the Senate Standing Rules, and the Edo North senator again attempted to raise a point of order. Despite repeated interventions, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard. Other lawmakers, including former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, intervened in support of the Senate President, noting that points of order are not entertained at that stage of proceedings.

The situation escalated when the Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, warned Oshiomhole to comply with the rules or face disciplinary action.

A visibly displeased Akpabio then issued a stern warning

“If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”Akpabio told Oshiomole

Oshiomhole’s confrontation is believed to be linked to the Senate’s recent amendment of its standing rules, which introduced stricter eligibility requirements for leadership positions in the 11th Senate. The Senate had, after a closed-door session, amended Orders 4 and 5 of its Standing Rules, tightening eligibility for presiding and principal offices.

Under the amended rules, only Senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination are eligible to contest presiding offices.

Under the new Order 4, nominations for presiding officers must strictly follow ranking, from former Senate Presidents to second-term senators. Order 5 also provides that only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms are eligible to contest for principal offices.

The development effectively disqualifies Oshiomhole and other first-term senators from vying for a presiding office.