Proceedings in the Senate were temporarily disrupted on Tuesday following a heated exchange between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

The confrontation, which lasted more than 15 minutes, began while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings from the previous legislative sitting. The video, as can be seen on the TVC’s YouTube page saw heated exchanges between both senators.

As the chamber considered a section relating to the South Africa debate, Oshiomhole raised a point of order. However, the Senate President overruled him, citing provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

Tension resurfaced shortly afterwards when the Senate moved to deliberate on recent amendments to the Senate Standing Rules, prompting the Edo North senator to once again attempt to raise a point of order.

Despite repeated interventions from the Senate President, Oshiomhole insisted on being recognised to speak.

Several lawmakers, including former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, intervened in support of Akpabio, noting that points of order are not entertained at that stage of proceedings.

The situation escalated further when the Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, warned Oshiomhole to comply with Senate rules or risk disciplinary action.

A visibly displeased Akpabio subsequently issued a stern warning to the former Edo State governor.

“If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” Akpabio said.

Order was eventually restored, after which the Senate adopted the Votes and Proceedings.

The motion for adoption was moved by Senator Adamu Aliero and seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.