Fresh tension erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers accused Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Godswill Akpabio of attempting to use procedural amendments to block rival senators from contesting key presiding offices.

The controversy arose during the presentation of a motion titled “Presentation and Consideration of the Amendments to the Senate Standing Orders 2023 to Accommodate New Committees and Enhance Legislative Practice”. The motion, which was part of the Senate’s “ORDERS OF THE DAY” for November 18, aimed to update procedural rules to reflect emerging national realities, the creation of new committees, and harmonization with House of Representatives committees.

The draft amendment covered several areas, including:

• Participation of senators-elect in electing presiding officers
• Qualification and ranking criteria for presiding officer positions
• Rules on sitting times and committee composition
• Permissions for presiding officers to drink water during proceedings
• Criteria for suspension of senators

However, what was framed as a procedural reform quickly turned contentious. Minority Leader Patrick Abba Moro raised a Point of Order 108, arguing that the amendments were not following due process.

Sources within the Senate told SaharaReporters that many lawmakers suspected the changes were politically motivated, designed to prevent certain senators from voting or participating in the election of presiding officers.

“The Senate is trying to change the rule to bar some senators from contesting, voting, and participating in the process of electing presiding officers,” a source said.

The objections sparked a heated debate on the floor, and the motion was eventually stepped down after overwhelming pushback from lawmakers.

“It was rejected by many senators and stepped down. This happened during today’s Senate sitting,” the source added.

The incident highlights ongoing power struggles within the upper chamber, with lawmakers remaining wary of perceived political maneuvers disguised as procedural reforms.