The Senate on Thursday rescinded controversial amendments to its Standing Orders following concerns by lawmakers that some provisions conflicted with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Red Chamber had earlier amended its rules on Tuesday to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal officer positions, a move seen as targeting some senators reportedly eyeing leadership positions ahead of the 11th National Assembly in 2027.
The amendments sparked tension on Wednesday during plenary, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaging in a heated exchange over the changes.
At Thursday’s sitting, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the chamber to reverse the amendments.
Bamidele argued that provisions introduced under Order 2, Subsection 2 and Order 3, Subsection 1 could create “constitutional inconsistencies and unintended tensions” with Section 52 of the Constitution.
He added that the Senate has the authority to “revisit, rescind, and recommit” any previous decision in order to safeguard the integrity of its legislative framework.
The Senate subsequently resolved to rescind the amendments.
Reacting to the development, Oshiomhole criticised the initial process, describing it as rushed and poorly handled.
“The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is the flaw in this process. Next time, we should allow for proper debate,” he said.
Earlier before the reversal, Oshiomhole had called on Akpabio to resign if the Senate adopted the proposed rule requiring senators to complete at least eight consecutive years before becoming Senate President.
According to him, Akpabio himself would not meet such a requirement based on his Senate record.
“So, if we pass the rules that you must do eight consecutive years before you can be Senate President, it means he (Akpabio) has to lead by example, by vacating, because he’s presiding without acquiring the appropriate qualification,” Oshiomhole stated.
He also warned against altering legislative rules to suit personal or political interests, insisting that leadership positions should not be manipulated to limit competition.
Referencing former Senate President David Mark, Oshiomhole said past leaders emerged without changing rules to favour themselves.
The post Senate Reverses Leadership Eligibility Rule appeared first on OsunDefender.
