Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Senate’s newly amended leadership rules, arguing that Senate President Godswill Akpabio would not qualify to hold the office under the same conditions now being imposed on future contenders.
Speaking with journalists after Wednesday’s stormy plenary session, the Edo North lawmaker accused the Senate leadership of attempting to alter long-standing parliamentary traditions in order to narrow the field of competitors for top positions in the Red Chamber.
Oshiomhole argued that the amendment, which now requires senators seeking the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President to have completed at least eight uninterrupted years in the Senate, should equally apply to Akpabio.
According to him, Akpabio rose to become Minority Leader during his first term in the 8th Senate and had not accumulated the required eight years before emerging as Senate President.
“Even if you combine his previous tenure with the current one, it is still not up to eight years,” Oshiomhole said.
“So, if we pass a rule requiring anyone to spend eight consecutive years before becoming Senate President, then he should lead by example by vacating the position, because he himself did not meet that qualification before presiding.”
The former governor maintained that the amendment was designed to restrict competition ahead of future Senate leadership contests.
He noted that the previous rule only required one-term ranking, which made Akpabio eligible when the position was zoned to the South-South.
“Naturally, more senators
would now become eligible, which would broaden the field of competition. And now he wants to shut that out,” he stated.Oshiomhole also referenced former Senate President David Mark, saying the ex-lawmaker served eight years without manipulating Senate rules.
“The same rules that enabled David Mark to preside over the Senate for eight years — what is wrong with them? The same rules that allowed the current Senate President to contest for the office — what is wrong with them? Why change them now?” he queried.
The controversy followed a heated exchange between Oshiomhole and Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary after the Senate adopted amendments to its standing orders following a nearly three-hour closed-door session.
Under the revised rules, only senators who have completed at least two consecutive terms can contest for presiding offices and principal positions in the Senate.
Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio moved to confirm the votes and proceedings of the previous sitting.
Despite having his microphone muted, the senator continued shouting “point of order”, prompting intervention from Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno.
Akpabio later issued a stern warning during the confrontation.
“Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” the Senate President warned.
The disagreement has since intensified debate over whether the amended rules are intended to strengthen parliamentary order or entrench political advantage within the upper legislative chamber.
