The resumption of the Senate from its Easter and Sallah break on Tuesday, April 30, was nearly marred by a rowdy session as senators engaged in a heated dispute over seating arrangements.
The plenary began around 11:00 am with the arrival of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. After the customary prayers, Akpabio announced the birthdays of senators celebrated during the recess.
Tensions rose when Senator Sahabi Ya’u (APC – Zamfara North) was observed speaking loudly to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central), who responded in kind, leading to a heated exchange. Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) also joined in, confronting Bamidele and Senator Sunday Karimi (APC – Kogi West), chairman of the Senate Services Committee responsible for seating arrangements.
The commotion stemmed from the new seating arrangement in the newly renovated main chamber, particularly the allocation of seats to some ranking senators in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.
To calm the situation, the Senate president instructed the aggrieved senators to approach the chair one by one, but Senator Ya’u appeared reluctant to comply.
After about 20 minutes of bickering, order was restored, and the Senate president delivered his welcome speech. The Senate Leader then moved for an executive session, which commenced at 12:05 pm behind closed doors.
The Senate had adjourned plenary till April 16 but postponed resumption twice to complete the renovation of the chamber, which began in 2022.
