There was a tense moment on Wednesday in the Senate as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a heated confrontation over the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday’s plenary, disrupting the smooth flow of legislative business.
The session, which had commenced routinely with prayers and routine announcements, turned dramatic when Akpabio called for the adoption of the official record of proceedings in line with Senate rules.
However, Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, immediately objected, insisting that the document being presented did not accurately reflect what transpired on the floor during the previous sitting.
“We cannot proceed to adopt proceedings that do not reflect what was agreed,” the former APC national chairman protested, rising from his seat.
His objection, however, was swiftly overruled by Akpabio, who insisted that the Senate must first complete the procedural step of adopting the Votes and Proceedings before any point of order could be entertained.
According to the Senate’s established order of proceedings, plenary business must follow a strict sequence, including prayers, adoption of votes and proceedings, announcements, and petitions, before senators can raise points of order on substantive issues.
But Oshiomhole persisted, attempting to press his objection despite not being recognised by the presiding officer, triggering murmurs across the chamber.
At this point, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, stepped in, urging compliance with standing rules and calling for order in the chamber.
Tension escalated further when Akpabio warned that disciplinary action could be taken if decorum was not maintained.
“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,” the Senate President declared.
Following the warning, Oshiomhole eventually relented, after which Akpabio ruled him out of order and proceeded to put the Votes and Proceedings to a voice vote. The majority of senators reportedly supported the adoption.
The confrontation comes barely 24 hours after the Senate controversially amended its rules to bar first-term lawmakers from contesting for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President—a development widely believed to have altered the political calculus ahead of 2027.
The amendment, which also adjusted committee sitting times and introduced procedural allowances such as permitting presiding officers to drink water during proceedings, has continued to generate quiet unease within the chamber.
Although Oshiomhole did not directly link his objection to the new rules, his stance has further fuelled speculation of growing discontent among some lawmakers over the recent changes, especially those seen as affecting leadership ambition.
The latest face-off underscores deepening tensions in the upper chamber as senators navigate fresh internal rules and emerging power realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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