Akpabio threatens Oshiomhole with suspension over alleged disruption of Senate proceedings
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo North), again on Wednesday differed over the upper legislative chamber’s amended standing rules for the election of presiding and principal officers.
The upper legislative chamber on Tuesday amended its rules to restrict eligibility for leadership positions to senators who had served at least two consecutive and uninterrupted terms.
The amendment effectively prevents Mr Oshiomhole from contesting a presiding office in the 11th Senate if passed.
But Mr 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 the plenary when Mr Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order while Mr Akpabio called for the confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day.
Mr Akpabio ignored the Edo North senator, prompting Mr 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 Mr 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,” Mr Monguno said.
Mr Akpabio subsequently cautioned the former Edo State 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. 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, 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, Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the Senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning,” Mr Akpabio said.
Also, Patrick Ndubueze (APC-Imo) attempted to draw the Senate’s attention to what he described as an omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings.
Mr Ndubueze said one of the resolutions contained in the document was neither debated nor adopted by the Senate, but Mr Akpabio dismissed the objection.
Mr Akpabio, thereafter, subjected the votes and proceedings to a voice vote.
The Senate on Tuesday amended its standing orders to limit eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who had 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 offices of senate president and deputy senate president.
(NAN)
