Senate President Godswill Akpabio reprimanded two of his colleagues during Friday’s plenary session, citing breaches of procedural conduct as lawmakers debated legislative oversight.
The parliamentary clash unfolded as senators considered measures to enforce compliance among heads of government agencies who ignore committee invitations. During the proceedings, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed an amendment demanding that committee recommendations for arrest warrants against defaulting officials be explicitly stated and executed with decorum.
However, Akpabio swiftly cut Oshiomhole short, reminding him that the chamber’s standing orders forbid reopening debates when introducing additional prayers. When Senator Patrick Ndubueze stepped in to support the amendment, he too drew the Senate President’s ire for speaking beyond a formal seconding.
“You’ve been here for three years and you still don’t read the rules,” Akpabio told Ndubueze, before putting the motion to a voice vote, which ultimately failed.
The exchange marks the latest flashpoint between Akpabio and Oshiomhole this week. On Wednesday, Oshiomhole accused the Senate President of violating a truce after Akpabio brought up a viral video involving the Edo North lawmaker on a private jet. Akpabio later issued a floor apology, clarifying that his comments related to a prior dispute over a separate arrest warrant, whilst reaffirming that their peace agreement remained intact.