Senate President Akpabio rebukes senators for procedural breaches

Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly rebuked Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Patrick Ndubueze during a plenary session, citing breaches of the Senate's procedural rules. The incident highlighted tensions over legislative procedure and the Senate's oversight functions.

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When you have additional prayers, you don’t go back into debates. That is the rule of the Senate. Any additional prayer, you move. You are going into debates.

The rebuke occurred when Oshiomhole attempted to add a new prayer to a motion regarding the enforcement of Senate invitations by government agency heads. Akpabio interrupted Oshiomhole, stating that additional prayers should be moved separately and not debated after the main submission. He emphasized that senators should adhere to established rules, particularly when introducing new elements to motions.

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Sorry, sorry, sorry. Your time is up because…

Further friction arose when Senator Patrick Ndubueze indicated his support for Oshiomhole's motion. Akpabio also interrupted Ndubueze, reminding him that his role was limited to seconding the motion and not engaging in further debate. Akpabio pointed out that Ndubueze, having been in the Senate for three years, should be familiar with these rules and set a good example.

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I’ve already moved the motion, I’ve already seconded

This exchange follows recent tense floor moments between Akpabio and Oshiomhole. Earlier in the week, Oshiomhole accused Akpabio of breaking a prior truce by referencing a video involving the Edo North lawmaker. Akpabio had apologized for that remark, attributing it to a direct response. The incident underscores ongoing discussions about legislative oversight and the Senate's constitutional authority to compel the attendance of officials who fail to honor committee invitations. After the procedural clarifications, Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, which was ultimately defeated.

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Your job is to second. Your job is not to…