Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio has called on senators to strictly observe the Senate’s Standing Rules, emphasizing the need for decorum and procedural discipline in legislative proceedings.
During Friday’s plenary session, Senator Akpabio rebuked Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Senator Patrick Ndubueze while deliberating on a motion concerning stricter enforcement of compliance with Senate invitations by heads of government agencies. The Senate President stressed the importance of following established procedures, particularly when introducing additional prayers to motions.
“Follow Senate rules and set an example,” Akpabio told Senator Ndubueze, noting that the lawmaker has been in the Senate for three years. He interrupted attempts to extend debates on additional prayers, reminding senators that such contributions should be limited and that debate concludes before additional prayers are moved.
The exchange occurred amid ongoing discussions on legislative oversight and the Senate’s constitutional powers to compel the attendance of heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that fail to honour committee invitations. Akpabio reiterated that additional prayers must be moved succinctly without re-entering debates.
The motion, which ultimately failed after a voice vote, highlighted tensions around accountability and procedural adherence in the 10th Senate. Senate President Akpabio’s intervention underscored his commitment to upholding the integrity and order of the chamber.
“Distinguished colleagues, we should begin to know the rules of the Senate,” Akpabio had previously emphasized in related proceedings, calling for collective responsibility in maintaining standards.
This latest floor exchange follows recent moments of tension in the chamber but reaffirms the leadership’s dedication to orderly legislative processes that strengthen democratic institutions.