A brief but heated drama erupted in the Senate on Tuesday after Gombe Central Senator Danjuma Goje confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio for repeatedly halting proceedings to hold private talks with select lawmakers. The clash unfolded moments after Akpabio entered the chamber at about 12:10 p.m. and summoned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to his seat for yet another side discussion.
Other senators—including Asuquo Ekpenyong, Adamu Aliero, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Titus Zam—soon joined the group.
What began as a quiet exchange quickly escalated into a disruption of Senate business.
Senators were scattered across the chamber holding side conversations, effectively bringing plenary to a standstill for more than 40 minutes.
The disorder prompted Goje to confront the Senate President directly, describing the proceedings as “unparliamentary” and warning that such actions violated Senate rules.
“Interaction not allowed… what is happening now is unparliamentary. You should have taken this meeting outside. Everything is at a standstill now. We’re not doing our actual business. We should go on recess; when we’re ready, we’ll come back and meet you,” Goje said, citing Order 55 of the Senate Standing Rules, which bars interruptions to proceedings.
In response, Akpabio defended the private consultation, explaining that the discussions were necessary for an urgent assignment scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Presidential Villa. He invited Goje to join the meeting, but the senator refused, saying, “I don’t want to be part of it.”
Akpabio’s habit of pausing plenary to hold private consultations has drawn quiet complaints from lawmakers in the past, but Tuesday’s confrontation marked one of the rare occasions a senator openly challenged him on the floor. Observers say the incident highlights growing frustration among some senators over perceived procedural breaches and the need for greater transparency in Senate operations.
The disruption delayed consideration of scheduled bills and underscored the tension between the Senate President’s authority to manage proceedings and the rules designed to ensure smooth legislative business. Analysts say the episode may prompt calls for stricter adherence to Senate procedures in future sessions.
Tuesday’s event is likely to remain a talking point as the Senate continues its legislative agenda, with lawmakers closely watching how Akpabio balances private consultations with the conduct of official business.
Senate Floor Descends into Chaos as Goje Confronts Akpabio Over Private Meetings
