By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday, engaged in heated disagreement and argument during plenary over the recent amendment to the rules and regulations governing the operations of the red chamber of the National Assembly.
The Source reports that the Senate had, on Tuesday, amended its standing rules restricting Principal offices to only Senators who have served for two consecutive terms.
The new rules effectively shut out Oshiomhole, other ranking Senators, as well as would-be high profile Senators including former and serving Governors who are angling to retire to the Senate in 2027.
In deed, unconfirmed reports indicate that the new rules may have been targeted primarily at protecting Akpabio’s position in the coming 11th Senate going by the speculated ambition of Governor Hope Uzodinma to vie for the Senate top job.
Governor Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, has been handed the APC ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District by stakeholders, with his eyes allegedly firmly fixed on the Senate Presidency , having previously served as a member of the upper legislative chamber.
The hot exchange of words between Oshiomhole and Akpabio resulted from the former’s strident protest against the purported amended which he said breach his rights.
The shouting match began when Oshiomhole wanted to raise a point of order, but was overlooked by the Senate President who, instead, called for the confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the amendment as carried out earlier.
Despite having his seat’s microphone switched off ,the Senator representing Edo North continued to crave attention.
The intervention of the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, could not restore order as Oshiomhole continued to shout “point of order”.
At a point the Senate President cautioned Oshiomhole, reminding him of the extant rules and regulations governing the operations of the Senate.
“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages are clearly defined.
“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 see 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 casting vote in the event of tie but does not vote in any other circumstances..
“Most importantly, he has the authority to interpret the rules-this is clearly stated.
” So, Senators, we shall not come into this chamber, especially on matters as serious as contested elections , without proper understanding of the rules
” Let me emphasize 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”, Akpabio stated.
Consequently, despite the nays” overwhelmingly carrying the day, the Senate President ruled in favour of the ” ayes” when the votes and proceedings of the amendment were put to vote .
The Source reports that with the new rules, Governor Uzodinma’s speculated ambition,may have been severely disrupted.
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