The Senate on Wednesday descended into disorder for over 15 minutes as a heated clash broke out between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over the reading and interpretation of amended standing rules.
Trouble started when Akpabio began with the reading of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, just as Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) raised a point of order, and the President of the Senate had to remind him of the rules of the Senate as contained in the Standing Order 2023 as amended: that during this point of going through the Votes and Proceedings, a point of order is not always taken.
When Oshiomhole continued, Akpabio called the former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu, APC, Abia North, to educate Oshiomhole on the rules, and Kalu said the same as the President of the Senate: that there was no point of order at this point.
At this point, Oshiomhole did not stop, and the whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, APC, Borno North, warned that if the Edo North senator continues, he will invoke the powers he has and then asked Oshiomhole to be guided.
Akpabio then continued at this point, pages 194, 195. Oshiomhole then continued, just as the latter advised that they must all read the rules and went to Order 20().
Akpabio said, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules.
He then issued a strong warning to Oshiomhole, cautioning him against further disruption. “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” he said.
Akpabio then continued and rounded off, with Senator Adamu Aliero, APC, Kebbi Central, moving for the adoption of the votes and proceedings and seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South.
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