Akpabio, Oshiomhole differ over new Senate leadership rules

ABUJA – Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo North) again on Wednesday, differed over upper legislative chamber’s amended standing rules for the election of presiding and principal officers.

The upper chamber had on Tuesday amended its rules to restrict eligibility for the leadership positions to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms and uninterrupted tenure.

The amendment effectively prevents Oshiomhole from contesting for a presiding office in the 11th senate if passed.

But Oshiomhole’s protest may not be unconnected with parliamentary practice, which treats adopted votes and proceedings as the official and binding record of senate resolutions, unless subsequently reviewed.

The confrontation began at plenary when Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio called for the confirmation of the Votes and Proceedings of the previous legislative day.

Akpabio ignored the Edo north senator, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly shout “point of order” even after his microphone was switched off.

Attempts by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, to restore order failed as Oshiomhole continued interrupting proceedings.

“I am now invoking the powers conferred on me as the chief whip of the senate for you to return to your seat. Be guided,” Monguno said.

Akpabio subsequently cautioned the former Edo governor and cited the senate rules regulating conduct in the chamber.

“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages are clearly defined,” Akpabio said.

“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, Sen. 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 and this is clearly stated.

“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, Sen. Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning.”

Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, (APC-Imo) also attempted to draw the senate’s attention to what he described as an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings.

Ndubueze said one of the resolutions contained in the document was neither debated nor adopted by the senate, but Akpabio dismissed the objection.

Akpabio, thereafter, subjected the votes and proceedings to a voice vote.

The senate had on Tuesday, amended its standing orders to limit eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding nomination.

The amendment followed a closed-door session that lasted about three hours.

The revised rules stipulate that only senators with at least eight years of uninterrupted service in the chamber can contest for the offices of senate president and deputy senate president.