In a dramatic turn of events during Tuesday’s plenary session, Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, stormed out of the Senate chamber after a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The incident occurred when Mr. Ndume was ruled out of order by Akpabio, triggering a sequence of events that temporarily disrupted the session.
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Mr. Ndume, a senator representing Borno South under the All Progressive Congress (APC), raised a point of order, citing Senate Rule 54. He argued that it was the chief whip’s duty to remind and guide the Senate on procedures during plenary sessions.
His concern arose from an alleged error in a motion presented by Senator Summaila Kawu, representing NNPP Kano South, which did not include the motion’s title.
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Seeking to draw Akpabio’s attention to the procedural matter, Mr. Ndume emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations within the Senate, stating, “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guided by laws, rules, and procedures. If errors are observed during any session’s proceedings, they must be corrected before proceeding further.”
However, following Mr. Ndume’s statement, Akpabio responded, asserting that the section referred to by the senator was not identical to the content of Rule 54.
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Consequently, the Senate President ruled Mr. Ndume out of order, which marked a tense moment in the plenary session.
Senator Sunday Karimi of APC Kogi West, in an attempt to support Mr. Ndume’s argument through another point of order, faced a similar fate as Akpabio swiftly ruled him out of order as well.
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In response to these developments, Mr. Ndume left the plenary chamber and retreated to his office. Meanwhile, Akpabio called for a closed session, suspending open proceedings.
However, upon receiving a call from a colleague informing him that the Senate had resolved into a closed session, Mr. Ndume returned to join the proceedings, and the plenary session continued behind closed doors.
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The dramatic confrontation underscores the importance of adherence to Senate rules and procedures during legislative sessions.
While disagreements and clashes occasionally occur in the political arena, it is essential for lawmakers to maintain decorum and work together to address critical issues facing the nation. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the legislative process and the need for effective communication and cooperation among members of the Senate.
