By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
There was however, a rowdy session when the senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje; his Zamfara North colleague, Sahabi Yau, and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele engaged in a hot argument over sitting arrangements
The Senate, which resumed plenary after it went on recess on March 20, held the session at its renovated chamber more than two years after work began on it.
The standing rules of the upper legislative chamber provide that senators sit according to ranking.
The Easter and Sallah recess was postponed to accommodate the completion of the renovation of both chambers of the National Assembly.
The altercations occurred while Senate President Godswill Akpabio was reading his welcome address.
It was learnt that Goje and Yau, sitting on the second row on the right side of the aisle, did not like the seats allocated to them by the committee on senate services.
The Chairman of the Senate Services, Sunday Karimi, who is representing Kogi West, is in charge of seat allocation in the chamber.
Goje and Yau told the Senate Leader that they deserved to be assigned seats on the front row on the extreme right – opposite the seats of the majority leader and the deputy Senate President.
The argument degenerated to further comments among other senators and the Senator representing Kano South, Kawu Sumaila, called for a “point of order”, but he was ignored.
Thereafter, Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session, which the Senate President endorsed.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of, the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adeyemi Adaramodu, in a statement after plenary, clarified that there was no rancour among his colleagues over sitting arrangements.
He said, “There was no disagreement, rancour, or any verbal tirade in respect of the sitting arrangements in the Senate chamber.
“The sitting positions of senators were done by the established legislative protocols. It is pertinent to know that rankings of senators and leadership positions are considered.
“All legislators all over the world know and accept this tradition. The new arrangements in the chamber today did not depart from this.
“Every senator is thus considered based on this legislative tradition, hence there couldn’t be any confusion over sitting arrangements.
“Senators have been observing these sitting protocols, even in the temporary chamber, hence the unfounded story of a phantom fight over sitting arrangements is an unscrupulous attempt to drag the image of the Senate into an unnecessary and needless controversy.
“The general public should disregard this odious song of sorrow from these incorrigible wholesalers and retailers of falsehood,” Adaramodu added.
*Akpabio says Senate ready to solve nation’s problems
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said members of the 10th National Assembly would address the social and economic challenges confronting Nigeria with courageous actions and fresh legislative strategies.
Akpabio stated this yesterday while welcoming his colleagues to plenary after the Easter and Sallah celebrations.
He said, “I am confident that we, as senators, can make a difference. We have been entrusted with an important role and now is the time for courageous actions and strategies to drive this role.
“Together, let us implement a culture of care and an integrated approach to combat poverty, restore dignity to the downtrodden, and protect our precious natural resources. Let us approach the work ahead with unwavering determination and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Once again, let us be reminded that the Nigerian people have placed their trust in us, and we must honour that trust by working tirelessly for their well-being and the progress of our nation.
“Let it be known that we are resolute in our determination to wage a war against insecurity to its logical conclusion.”
He, therefore, urged the executive arm government to spare no efforts in bringing those responsible for the various recent heinous act to justice.
Akpabio noted that the increase in tariffs and prices emphasizes the pressing need to address issues of affordability, inflation, and the overall well-being of our economy.
He explained that the numerous social and economic challenges reinforce the fact that the nation was confronted with multifaceted challenges.
He said, “They highlight the urgency and gravity of the issues we must confront, calling for our collective efforts to find sustainable solutions.
“As representatives of the people, we must address these challenges head-on and work towards a better future for all.
“Let us also not forget the importance of cooperation with our constituents. We were elected to represent their voices, hopes, and dreams.
“It is through our engagement and partnership with them that we can truly make a meaningful impact on their lives and the development of our nation. The National Assembly can only fly with two wings.”
