Proceedings at the Nigerian Senate were disrupted for more than 15 minutes on Tuesday following a heated exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
The tension began when Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous legislative session. As lawmakers considered a section relating to a debate on South Africa, Oshiomhole raised a point of order. However, the Senate President overruled him, citing provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
The disagreement resurfaced shortly after when the chamber moved to discussions on amendments to Senate rules. Oshiomhole again attempted to raise a point of order, but was repeatedly ruled out of order by the presiding officer.
Other lawmakers, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, intervened in support of the Senate President, noting that points of order are not permitted at that stage of proceedings.
The situation escalated further when Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno warned Oshiomhole to adhere to Senate rules or face disciplinary measures.
Akpabio, visibly displeased by the disruption, issued a stern warning, saying: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”
Order was eventually restored, allowing proceedings to continue with the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings. The motion was moved by Senator Adamu Aliero and seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The session resumed after the brief uproar, with lawmakers returning to legislative business under tightened procedural control.
