Drama in Senate as Senator Ningi's traditional staff sparks concerns

Drama unfolded in Nigeria's Senate on Wednesday when Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, entered the chamber adorned in the traditional attire of the Bachama Kingdom. The ensemble included a neckpiece and a walking staff, which quickly drew the attention of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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Before I talk on this matter, I just want to say that the thing on his neck looks like a snake. And you people said he has a dagger. It is not a dagger, it is a spear. And a spear is even more dangerous. So please, distinguished senators, be careful and don’t go near Senator Ningi.

Akpabio, using lighthearted humor, cautioned lawmakers to maintain a distance from the senator. He described the staff as a "spear," noting it was "even more dangerous" than a "dagger." When the Sergeant-at-Arms attempted to intervene, Ningi refused to relinquish the staff, asserting its significance as a sacred traditional item linked to his new title as Pampamo, the spokesperson of the Bachama Kingdom.

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There is no way this instrument will be given to the sergeant-at-arms. I will take it away myself. So leave me. I will take it away. You don’t know the importance of this and what it means. So go back. I will take it away myself.

"There is no way this instrument will be given to the sergeant-at-arms. I will take it away myself. So leave me," Ningi stated, emphasizing the cultural importance of the regalia. He clarified that the attire was not meant to threaten anyone and that he, as a senator with nearly 19 years in the National Assembly, would not violate chamber regulations. Ningi explained that the spear was brought for a photograph and was not a harmful object, calling it "just a stick and a decoration for tradition."

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This regalia is not in any way meant to threaten anybody. This regalia is our tradition. I am now the Pampamo, which means the spokesperson of the Adamawa, of the Bachama Kingdom. And therefore, on their behalf, I see it as an honour.

Responding to Ningi's explanation, Akpabio acknowledged the Senate's respect for cultural heritage but stressed the importance of introducing such items through formal legislative channels. He suggested that presenting it formally after taking it outside would have been more appropriate. Ningi eventually complied and left the chamber with the staff.

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Like many people thought, maybe this is a joke. This is not a joke. This is Africa. This is Nigeria. And I’ve been in this National Assembly for close to 19 years. I cannot, on my own, violate the regulation of this chamber. As a sitting senator, I don’t think anybody will think I’m coming to harm anybody.