Oshiomhole Challenges Akpabio as Senate Tightens Leadership Rules

Tensions flared in the Senate on Wednesday when Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole locked horns during a plenary session.

This came barely 24 hours after the Senate amended its standing rules to introduce stricter eligibility conditions for presiding offices.

Trouble started when Akpabio began reading the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s sitting.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, raised a point of order during the session, but Akpabio reminded him that such interventions were not permitted at that stage under the Senate Standing Orders 2023, as amended.

When Oshiomhole continued to press his objection, Akpabio invited former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, to clarify the rule.

Kalu reportedly confirmed that points of order could not be entertained during consideration of the Votes and Proceedings.

Despite the explanation, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Senate Whip Tahir Monguno to caution him against disrupting proceedings and warning that disciplinary measures could be applied.

Akpabio then directed lawmakers to pages 194 and 195 of the Votes and Proceedings while urging senators to familiarise themselves with Senate rules.

He said: “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.”

The Senate President also warned Oshiomhole against further disorderly conduct.

Akpabio said: “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

Proceedings later continued without further disruption after Senator Adamu Aliero moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The clash is believed to be connected to the Senate’s recent amendment of its standing rules, which now requires senators seeking presiding offices to have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination.

The amendment effectively disqualifies Oshiomhole from contesting for any presiding office in the current Senate leadership structure.