There was a mild drama on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, as Senator Adams Oshiomhole representing Edo North interrupted the Senate President who was addressing the upper chamber.
The move generated some arguments as other Senators joined in to call Oshomhole to order, with the Senate President threatening to use the rules to expel him from the red chamber.
As Akpabio began with the reading of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, Oshiomhole raised a point of order, and the President of the Senate had to remind him of the rules of the Senate as contained in the Standing Order 2023 as amended: that during this point of going through the Votes and Proceedings, a point of order is not always taken.
When Oshiomhole continued, Akpabio called the former Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) to educate Oshiomhole on the rules, and Kalu said the same as the President of the Senate: that there was no point of order at this point.
At this point, Oshiomhole did not stop, and the whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) warned that if the Edo North senator continues, he will invoke the powers he has and then asked Oshiomhole to be guided.
Akpabio then continued at this point, and advised that they must all read the rules and went to Order 20.
Akpabio said, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules”.
He then issued a strong warning to Oshiomhole, cautioning him against further disruption. “Oshiomhole, if you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate,” he said.
Akpabio then continued and rounded off, with Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) moving for the adoption of the votes and proceedings and seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).