Akpabio dismisses crisis in Senate as he meets Tinubu
Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio On Wednesday pointed out the Senate’s maturity and cohesion despite differences.
“In the parliament, sometimes you disagree to agree. But we will never get to the point of throwing chairs. The Senate is too mature, full of matured people,” Akpabio told State House Correspondents after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Barely a day has passed since Borno South Senator Ali Ndume stormed out of the chamber, prompting Akpabio’s visit.
Shortly after the Tuesday session started, Ndume (APC, Borno South) raised a point of order to alert the Senate President to what he believed to be procedural irregularities made by him (Akpabio).
Ndume referred to a motion made by Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) regarding the necessity of reopening the Nigeria-Niger border. Akpabio permitted the motion to be discussed without first having its formal title read aloud as is customary.
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In accordance with Senate Standing Rule No. 51, Ndume asked the Senate President to permit the correction of any mistakes made or noticed during plenary.
He was quickly declared out of order by Akpabio, who said that as he had already made a decision on the matters stated, the ruling could not be reviewed.
In the heat of the argument, Ndume picked up his documents and a few other belongings and stormed out of the Senate chamber.
His action, unexpected, led the Senate to dissolve into a closed-door session.
Speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting on Wednesday, the Senate President, however, dismissed any crisis in the legislature.
“We are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree with some of the happenings in the Senate, it is only the majority decision that is going to prevail,” he noted.
Akpabio further explained that any arising disagreements are swiftly handled in closed sessions, ensuring unity and solidarity are maintained.
Highlighting the Senate’s commitment to the nation’s interests, Akpabio remarked, “We are politicians, no permanent hatred but permanent interest. That interest is the interest of the nation.”
In order to advance the nation, he stressed the Senate’s duty to provide assistance to the President and his administration through oversight and legislative duties.
Akpabio said he had talked about the impending 10th Assembly retreat in Akwa Ibom State during his meeting with President Tinubu.
He asked the President for permission to be represented at the retreat, and the request was approved.
