Senate reverses principal offices rule as Oshiomhole slams Akpabio

The Senate on Thursday abolished controversial changes to its Standing Orders 2026 due to lawmakers' worries that some elements conflicted with the 1999 Constitution.

This decision came shortly after the upper chamber had revised parts of its regulations, a decision that sparked debate and intense discussions among the senators.

However, it faced strong criticism from the senator for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down from his position.

These amendments emerged as outgoing governors and influential political figures grew increasingly interested, with many strategizing to join the Senate in 2027 to pursue significant leadership roles like Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

At least 10 current governors and some former governors are actively trying to secure senatorial nominations, using their authority over party dynamics to emerge as preferred candidates in their states.

Additionally, Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, who is in his second term but whose time will conclude in January 2028, has filled out the application for the Senate, with analysts suggesting he is seeking the Senate Presidency.

While presenting the motion during the session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that a new legislative and constitutional evaluation indicated that some measures introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 might clash with Section 52 of the Constitution.

He stated, “The Senate recognizes that following further legislative and constitutional analysis, certain elements added in Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may create constitutional discrepancies and unintended conflict with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, particularly Section 52.”

Bamidele clarified that the Senate maintains the power to review and overturn prior decisions when necessary to uphold the integrity of its operations.

He remarked that the Senate “holds the inherent parliamentary power to reconsider, revoke, and recommit any previously settled issue to maintain the integrity of its proceedings and legislative framework.”

The chamber subsequently determined to “overturn its previous resolutions concerning the amendments made to Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 of the Senate Standing Orders 2026.”

Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator for Abia South, seconded the motion.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who led the session, deemed the motion essential for ensuring the Senate rules conform to constitutional requirements.

“This motion is very straightforward — it simply ensures that we comply with the Constitution,” Barau stated.

“I appreciate the Leader for being alert and proactive as the Leader of the Senate by highlighting this issue. This is very clear, and there is no need for any debate regarding it.”

Oshiomhole criticized the process that led to the earlier amendments, claiming that lawmakers hurriedly acted to please specific interests.

“The manner in which we hastily revised the rules because certain individuals wanted particular matters resolved is a significant flaw in this process.”
“That is precisely the observation I wish to emphasize — that next time we should facilitate discussion,” he remarked.

His remarks ignited another series of discussions within the assembly, leading Bamidele to reference Rule 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders to argue against revisiting matters that have already been resolved without a formal motion.

“If His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, had concerns about the resolutions made regarding the amendment two days ago, he should have submitted a formal motion for reconsideration to be discussed here in this assembly,” stated the Senate Leader.

Bamidele further expressed that the disputes caused by the amendments and the resulting conflicts had overshadowed the legislative efforts of the Senate.

“Regardless of the proceedings that transpired in this esteemed chamber yesterday, the story that emerged from this esteemed chamber was one of unwarranted theatrics, and we will not permit this to persist,” he continued.

Oshiomhole, addressing reporters following the session, characterized the revised rules as stemming from what he referred to as a “moral crisis,” asserting that both the methodology and the substance of the alterations posed essential questions about justice, eligibility, and ethical leadership within the Senate.