A contentious session unfolded in Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday when Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe Central publicly confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what he deemed “unparliamentary conduct.” The incident caused significant disruption, lasting over thirty minutes.
The session was underway when Akpabio arrived and took over the presiding seat from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. Shortly after, Akpabio summoned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other senators for a private discussion, which prompted Goje to raise a point of order citing the Senate Standing Orders, specifically that “interaction is not allowed” during parliamentary sessions.
Goje asserted, “Mr. Senate President, what you are doing is unparliamentary,” emphasizing that such meetings should not occur while the Senate is officially in session. Akpabio invited Goje to approach the chair for further discussion, but Goje refused, insisting that Akpabio’s actions were inappropriate and disrupted Senate business.
The altercation continued with Goje insisting on the need for parliamentary decorum, stating that the ongoing meetings were halting the Senate’s legislative functions. Akpabio attempted to reassure Goje that the meeting was necessary due to an urgent assignment at the Presidential Villa.
Despite attempts at reconciliation, Goje remained steadfast in his opposition, rejecting Akpabio’s olive branch to join the meeting. The situation highlighted tensions within the Senate regarding procedural conduct and the balance of authority among its leaders.
