Senate Turns Rowdy as Goje Accuses Akpabio of Private Meetings During Plenary
Tension flared in the Senate yesterday as Gombe Central Senator Danjuma Goje openly criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for holding private meetings with selected lawmakers during plenary sessions.
The drama unfolded shortly after Akpabio arrived in the chamber around 12:10 p.m., taking over from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
He summoned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for a discussion, which was soon joined by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Adamu Aliero, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Titus Zam.
The informal gathering quickly disrupted proceedings, leaving plenary at a standstill for over 40 minutes.
Goje confronted Akpabio, calling the actions “unparliamentary” and citing Order 55 of the Senate Standing Rules, which prohibits interruptions to Senate business.
“We’re not doing our actual work. This should have been taken outside. We should go on recess and return when ready,” he said.
Akpabio defended the consultations, saying they were necessary for an urgent assignment at the Presidential Villa scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
He invited Goje to join, but the senator declined.
The incident highlighted growing concerns among lawmakers about procedural breaches and the need for greater transparency in Senate operations.
In a related development, Akpabio reshuffled several key committees to strengthen oversight and leadership.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, previously chairman of the Committee on National Planning, was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Senator Mustafa Musa replaced him at the Planning Committee.
Shehu Buba, formerly in National Security, now leads the Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, while Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu was named Acting Chairman of the Committee on Air Force, stepping in for Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Akpabio said the changes, recommended by the Selection Committee he chairs, were aimed at boosting the Senate’s effectiveness and aligning lawmakers’ expertise with key responsibilities.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
