The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District at the Senate, Adams Oshiomhole narrowly escaped suspension from the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, when the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio threatened to take him out of the red chamber.
Oshiomhole was accused of repeatedly disrupting plenary during consideration of the Votes and Proceedings, following persistent interruptions linked to a controversial amendment of Senate rules on eligibility for presiding and principal officer positions.
Trouble started when the Senate resumed debate on a new amendment that seeks to take effect in the 11th Senate and bar certain categories of Senators from contesting leadership positions, Tribune online Newspapers said.
Oshiomhole, who may be affected by the rule change, repeatedly shouted “point of order” in an attempt to stop proceedings, which was considered as disrespectful by Akpabio who requested Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to educate Oshiomhole on Senate procedures. Kalu described Oshiomhole’s conduct as “tautological” but did not go further.
Addressing Oshiomhole on the floor, Akpabio said, “If you are a soldier, you behave like a soldier. If you are a police officer, you behave like a police officer. So if you are a senator, you must go by the rules.”
The Senate President thereafter ruled him out of order, saying, “Senator Oshiomhole, you are ruled out of order.”
But, Oshiomhole continued speaking from his seat and insisted on being recognised despite the caution by Senator Monguno.
Consequently, the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, stepped in, warning him to comply with Senate rules.
“Senator Oshiomhole, be guided, otherwise I will invoke the powers of the office of the Chief Whip against you”, Akpabio said while reinforcing the warning, raising his voice as tensions escalated.
“If you become unruly, I will take you out of the Senate”, Akpabio said after the warning, the former Governor of Edo State, bulge and tone down the rhetoric during the chaotic session.
