From Victor Osula, Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, issued a stern warning to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, cautioning that continued disruptions of plenary proceedings could attract disciplinary action, including possible removal from the chamber.
The warning followed repeated interruptions by the Edo North senator during plenary, as Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative sitting. Oshiomhole repeatedly rose on “Point of Order”, a move that drew attention to growing tensions on the Senate floor.
The situation escalated as interruptions persisted, prompting Akpabio to call on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to intervene and advise his “colleague: on compliance with the Senate Standing Rules.
Kalu, in his remarks, described Oshiomhole’s conduct as “tautological”, but the interruptions reportedly continued.
Addressing the chamber, Akpabio emphasised the need for discipline and adherence to procedure, stating: “If you are a soldier, you behave like a soldier. If you are a police officer, you behave like a police officer. So if you are a senator, you must go by the rules.”
Despite the caution, Oshiomhole continued to speak from his seat, insisting on being recognised. The Senate President subsequently ruled him out of order, declaring: “Senator Oshiomhole, you are ruled out of order”, before striking the gavel to restore order.
The Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, also stepped in, warning that further disruptions could trigger disciplinary measures. “Senator Oshiomhole, be guided, otherwise I will invoke the powers of the office of the Chief Whip against you”, he cautioned.
Akpabio further reinforced the warning, declaring: “If you become unruly, I will take you out of the Senate.”
Following the repeated interventions and firm cautions from Senate leadership, Oshiomhole eventually relented, allowing plenary proceedings to continue without further disruption.
The exchange on Tuesday between Akpabio and Oshiomhole, over amendments to the Senate Standing Rules. The controversy followed revisions to Order 2 (3), (4), and (5), which stipulate that only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding their nomination, or those who have held principal officer positions in previous assemblies, are eligible to contest for the offices of Senate President and other key leadership roles.
While the new provisions also require that contenders for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President must have completed at least one full four-year term, effectively reinforcing a ranking system that prioritises experienced lawmakers and former presiding or principal officers, Oshiomhole had in his point of order objected to the amendments, warning that they could limit inclusiveness and restrict the democratic rights of lawmakers.
He argued that competence, not tenure, should be the primary consideration for leadership selection.
