I’ll Take You Out Of Senate, Akpabio Threatens Oshiomhole

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday at the Nigerian Senate in Abuja threatened to “take out” former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, after the lawmaker repeatedly disrupted plenary during consideration of the Votes and Proceedings, following persistent interruptions linked to a controversial amendment of Senate rules on eligibility for presiding and principal officer positions.

The Senate had been considering and approving the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday when tensions rose over a new amendment that would take effect in the 11th Senate and bar certain categories of senators from contesting leadership positions.

Oshiomhole, who may be affected by the rule change, repeatedly shouted “point of order” in an attempt to stop proceedings.

As disruptions continued, Akpabio asked Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to advise Oshiomhole on Senate procedures. Kalu described Oshiomhole’s conduct as “tautological” but did not go further.

Addressing Oshiomhole on the floor, Akpabio said, “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.”

The Senate President then ruled him out of order, saying, “Senator Oshiomhole, you are ruled out of order.”

Despite this, Oshiomhole continued speaking from his seat and insisted on being recognised. The Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, stepped in, warning him to comply with Senate rules.

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

Akpabio also reinforced the warning, raising his voice as tensions escalated.

“If you become unruly, I will take you out of the Senate.”

Following the warning, Oshiomhole appeared to calm down and reduced his interruptions as plenary continued.

SOURCE: TRIBUNE