Senate Drama: Lawmakers Bar Gbajabiamila, Governors And Ministers From Chamber

A brief but tense moment played out in the Senate on Wednesday after lawmakers initially opposed a request by the Senate leadership to allow governors and senior government officials into the chamber to observe deliberations on the State Police Bill.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Among those seeking entry were the governors of Ogun, Ondo and Kaduna states — Dapo Abiodun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Uba Sani — as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The delegation had arrived to observe discussions and voting on the Constitution Alteration Bill proposing the establishment of state police across the country.

Also included in the delegation were Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice from several states, including Ondo, Anambra and Akwa Ibom.

At the start of plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to lawmakers to permit the visitors, whom he referred to as non-members of the chamber, to witness the proceedings.

Following the appeal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion under Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Rules, which allows the admission of non-members under exceptional circumstances.

However, when the motion was subjected to a voice vote, it was met with strong opposition from a majority of senators, leading to its initial rejection.

The outcome appeared to catch the Senate leadership off guard, prompting Akpabio to make a fresh appeal to lawmakers to accommodate the visitors.

The Senate President subsequently directed Bamidele to reintroduce the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

During the second vote, Akpabio called for voices in support of the motion, but did not subsequently call for those opposed before ruling in favour of the request and striking the gavel.

The decision cleared the way for the governors, ministers and other officials waiting outside the chamber to gain access and observe proceedings on the State Police Bill.

The incident briefly highlighted underlying tensions between some governors and senators, with reports suggesting that certain lawmakers remain dissatisfied with governors they believe influenced the denial of their re-election tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The State Police Bill remains one of the most significant constitutional amendment proposals currently before the National Assembly as the country seeks solutions to its persistent security challenges.