A heated exchange erupted in the Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio confronted Edo North lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole over what he described as disorderly conduct during plenary.
The tension began when Oshiomhole repeatedly interrupted proceedings, shouting “Point of Order” while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous sitting. His persistent interjections drew sharp criticism from the presiding officer.
In response, Akpabio warned that he could have Oshiomhole removed from the chamber if he failed to comply with Senate rules. The confrontation is believed to be a continuation of an earlier disagreement between both men, particularly after Akpabio rejected Oshiomhole’s proposal for Nigeria to retaliate against South Africa over xenophobic attacks.
As the situation escalated, Akpabio asked Orji Uzor Kalu to guide Oshiomhole on the Senate’s Standing Rules. Kalu criticized Oshiomhole’s behavior, but the interruptions continued.
Akpabio then firmly cautioned him, stressing that lawmakers must conduct themselves according to the rules of the chamber, before officially ruling him out of order.
Despite the ruling, Oshiomhole kept speaking from his seat, insisting on being recognized. This prompted intervention from the Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, who warned that disciplinary measures could be taken if the disruption persisted.
Reinforcing the warning, Akpabio declared that any further unruly behavior could lead to Oshiomhole’s removal from the Senate.
Following the repeated cautions, Oshiomhole eventually calmed down, allowing plenary to proceed without further disruption.