By Peter Omopo
A mild drama unfolded in the Senate on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio briefly suspended plenary to hold a private consultation with selected lawmakers—an action that drew strong criticism from Senator Danjuma Goje (APC–Gombe Central).
Akpabio entered the chamber at about 12:10 p.m., taking over from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who had been presiding. Proceedings continued smoothly as senators deliberated on scheduled bills.
However, less than ten minutes later, Akpabio invited Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for a private discussion at the Senate President’s seat. He was soon joined by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), and Barau Jibrin.
The confidential talks lasted more than 40 minutes, effectively stalling the plenary and leaving many senators idling, chatting in groups or engaging in side conversations, which created a visibly chaotic atmosphere.
Goje Raises Point of Order
Visibly displeased with the disruption, Goje rose on a point of order, insisting that prolonged private consultations in the chamber during plenary violated parliamentary procedure.
He cited Order 55 of the Senate Standing Rules, which prohibits interruptions during live proceedings, arguing that such meetings should have been held outside the chamber.
“Interaction is not allowed. What is happening now is unparliamentary,” Goje said. “Everything is at a standstill. We should go on recess; when we are ready, we can return and meet you.”
Akpabio Defends Private Meeting
In response, Akpabio said he had called the lawmakers to deliberate on an urgent assignment scheduled at the Presidential Villa by 1 p.m.
“Everybody you see here was invited by the chair for a brief discussion… whether or not we should proceed in view of a very urgent assignment at the Villa,” he explained.
Akpabio then invited Goje to join the meeting, but the former Gombe governor declined sharply.
“I don’t want to be part of it,” Goje said.
Senate Approves Move for New Southeast State
Amid the earlier drama, the Senate and House of Representatives gave initial approval for the creation of a new state in the Southeast, marking a significant step in long-standing agitation for balanced state representation in the region.
The proposal is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny in the coming weeks.
