Senate President Godswill Akpabio, earlier today, hurriedly called for an emergency closed session following an intense altercation with Senator Ali Ndume, who angrily staged a walkout.
Tension has been building between the duo since the election of Akpabio to preside over the red chambers.
A viral video last week showed an angry Ndume warning Akpabio to adhere to the rules of the Senate, especially regarding the passage of bills.
Ndume, a ranking senator representing Borno South senatorial district, is a former majority leader of the Senate.
Politics Nigeria lists why he staged a walkout on Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom state and a former minister of Niger Delta affairs.
Read below:
- Violation of Senate Rules: Senator Ndume cited the violation of Senate rules as one of the primary reasons for his walkout. He invoked Order 54 of the Senate Rule Book, expressing his concerns that certain actions and proceedings within the chamber were being conducted contrary to established regulations.
- Dispute Over Senate Affairs: The heated exchange arose from a growing controversy over the management of Senate affairs. Senator Ndume raised concerns with how Akpabio was handling proceedings, suggesting that some actions were not in line with the rules and traditions of the Senate.
- Lack of Opportunity to Speak: Senator Ndume’s frustration stemmed from his perception that he could not voice his concerns. He barely had a chance to complete his statement before being ruled out of order by Akpabio, which may have added to his frustration.
- Desire for Accountability: Senator Ndume demonstrated a passion for accountability within the Senate by walking out. He said he wanted to draw attention to issues he believed needed immediate attention and correction, even if it meant a public and dramatic protest.
The Senate has since reconvened after its executive session, but it remains to be seen how Akpabio will handle the affairs of the upper chambers in the future.
