Tension swept through the Senate on Tuesday as Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) openly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of disrupting proceedings and engaging in “unparliamentary conduct.”

The disruption occurred shortly after Akpabio arrived at the chamber around 12:10 pm, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin was presiding over plenary. Initially, the transition was smooth, and lawmakers began considering scheduled bills. However, the session quickly lost its rhythm when the Senate President summoned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for a private consultation.

The meeting expanded to include Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), and Barau Jibrin, stretching over 40 minutes and effectively freezing the plenary.

During the delay, senators drifted from their seats and formed informal clusters, leaving the chamber noisy and visibly disorganised.

Reacting to the interruption, Senator Goje rose on a point of order, invoking Order 55 of the Senate Standing Rules, which bars private meetings that obstruct ongoing proceedings. He argued that the gathering around the Senate President violated parliamentary decorum.

“Interaction is not allowed. What is happening now is unparliamentary,” Goje said.
“You should have taken this meeting outside. When we come to parliament, we do parliamentary business. Everything is at a standstill. We should go on recess and return when ready.”

When Akpabio responded that the point of order had been noted, Goje pressed for it to be sustained and demanded the meeting be ended immediately.

Akpabio explained that the consultation concerned an urgent assignment scheduled at 1:00 pm at the Presidential Villa, and invited Goje to join. Goje declined, insisting:

“I don’t want to be part of it. I’m opposed to this. It is unparliamentary. It is wrong.”

Tuesday’s confrontation adds to a series of clashes between Akpabio and lawmakers since he assumed office. Previous flashpoints include:

• October 2023: Senator Ali Ndume accused Akpabio of bias and left plenary; he was later removed as Chief Whip in July 2024.
• November 2023: Senator Tony Nwoye protested the imposition of minority leadership.
• March 2024: Senator Abdul Ningi criticized alleged budget padding, resulting in temporary suspension.
• December 2024: Senator Ireti Kingibe walked out over ignored motions on FCT demolitions.
• February 2025: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspended over a seat reassignment dispute.
• March 2025: Senator Seriake Dickson confronted Akpabio over emergency rule debates in Rivers State.

Tuesday’s episode with Goje underscores growing friction between the Senate President and lawmakers, raising questions about internal cohesion as the chamber continues its legislative agenda.