Tensions flared in the Senate as Chief Whip Senator Ali Ndume, in a dramatic move, walked out during yesterday’s plenary session to voice his grievances against Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s handling of alleged procedural errors.
To prevent further escalation, Akpabio suggested that his fellow senators convene behind closed doors for a more in-depth discussion.
The turmoil began shortly after the day’s session commenced, when Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) raised a point of order to draw the Senate President’s attention to purported procedural lapses that had yet to be rectified.
Ndume specifically referenced a motion regarding the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger border, initiated by Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano South), which Akpabio allowed to be debated without following the standard procedure of reading the motion’s official title first.
Citing Order 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, Ndume urged the Senate President to permit the correction of any errors observed during the session, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the chamber’s rules and procedures.
He stated, “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guided by laws, rules, and procedures. If errors are observed during proceedings at any session, they must be rectified before proceeding.”
Akpabio promptly ruled Ndume out of order, contending that issues he had ruled on could not be revisited.
Undeterred, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) rose to defend Ndume’s point of order by raising another point of order but was similarly ruled out of order by the Senate President.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau intervened, invoking Order 16, which requires a substantive motion to be moved by any senator seeking to correct or review an earlier decision.
Akpabio upheld this order, frustrating Ndume further, who invoked Order 54 to seek the correction of the perceived error. Once again, Akpabio ruled him out of order, and in frustration, Ndume collected his documents and personal items before walking out of the Senate chamber.
Ndume’s unexpected action led to the Senate dissolving into a closed session. Notably, he served as Akpabio’s campaign manager during the Senate presidency race in June.
This incident occurred as senators prepared to depart for Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, for a retreat beginning today (Wednesday).
