A heated exchange broke out in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a tense standoff over parliamentary procedure.
The drama unfolded during plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was calling for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative day.
The Edo North lawmaker, who was not immediately recognised, repeatedly shouted “point of order” in a bid to gain attention.
Efforts by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, to restore order proved unsuccessful as the interruptions persisted.
In response, Akpabio cautioned Oshiomhole and invoked provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), stressing that points of order are not always entertained during proceedings on Votes and Proceedings.
“We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.
“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages, are clearly defined,” Akpabio said.
He went on to outline the powers of the Senate President, reading from Order 20(F) to emphasise his authority in maintaining order and interpreting rules.
“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.”
Akpabio issued a stern warning to the former Edo State governor as the disruption continued.
“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 emphasise 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.”
Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, prompting Akpabio to call on former Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, to intervene.
However, attempts to calm the situation failed, with the Senate President maintaining that no point of order could be entertained at that stage.
Monguno also warned that he would be forced to invoke disciplinary powers if the disruption continued, urging Oshiomhole to exercise restraint.
The confrontation comes amid speculation that the outburst may be linked to recent amendments to Senate rules adopted after a closed-door session.
The revised Standing Orders introduced stricter eligibility criteria for presiding and principal offices, limiting them to ranking lawmakers with defined legislative experience.
Under the amended provisions, only senators with prior legislative experience and ranking status can be nominated for leadership positions, while a new clause requires contenders for principal offices to have served at least two consecutive terms in the Senate.
