Senate Erupts As Akpabio And Oshiomhole Engage In Heated Verbal Battle During Sitting

There was a heated confrontation on Wednesday during plenary between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North, following what was described as disruptive conduct by the former Edo State governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The tension escalated when Akpabio warned that Oshiomhole could be removed from the Senate if he failed to adhere to the chamber’s rules.

Before the warning, Oshiomhole had repeatedly interrupted proceedings, shouting “Point of Order” while Akpabio was presenting the Votes and Proceedings of the previous session.

The exchange appeared to continue a previous altercation from Tuesday, when Akpabio dismissed Oshiomhole’s call for Nigeria to respond to xenophobic attacks in South Africa with retaliatory measures.

Some observers have also linked the clash to a broader political struggle ahead of the 2027 Senate leadership contest.

Trouble began early in Wednesday’s sitting when Oshiomhole repeatedly interjected to reference amended Senate rules, prompting intervention from the presiding officer.

Akpabio then directed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to caution his colleague on proper parliamentary procedure.

Kalu described Oshiomhole’s conduct as “tautological,” but the interruptions continued.

Akpabio went on to caution him, saying: “If you are a soldier, you behave like a soldier. If you are a police officer, you behave like a police officer. So if you are a senator, you must go by the rules.”

He subsequently ruled Oshiomhole out of order.

Despite this, Oshiomhole continued speaking from his seat, insisting on being recognized.

The Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, also stepped in, warning that disciplinary action could be taken.

“Senator Oshiomhole, be guided, otherwise I will invoke the powers of the office of the Chief Whip against you,” he warned.

Akpabio further reinforced the caution, stating: “If you become unruly, I will take you out of the Senate.”

Following the exchanges, Oshiomhole eventually stepped down his protests and normal proceedings resumed.