Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a statement on Wednesday, highlighted the unity and maturity of the Nigerian Senate, even in the face of disagreements.
Akpabio remarked, “In the parliament, sometimes you disagree to agree. But we will never get to the point of throwing chairs. The Senate is too mature, full of matured people,” during a discussion with State House Correspondents after holding private discussions with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Akpabio’s visit to the President came less than 24 hours after Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South had walked out of the Senate chamber, triggering a brief uproar.
The discord had started when Senator Ndume raised a point of order regarding alleged procedural errors committed by Senate President Akpabio. He had referenced a motion concerning the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger border and requested a correction of any errors made during plenary, based on Senate Standing Rules.
Akpabio swiftly ruled Ndume’s request out of order, leading to the senator’s abrupt exit from the chamber. This unexpected incident resulted in the Senate going into a closed-door session to address the situation.
However, Akpabio, speaking to State House Correspondents, dismissed any crisis within the legislature, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to working cohesively and in the nation’s best interest.
“We are all working in one accord. There is no problem at all. Even if some people disagree with some of the happenings in the Senate, it is only the majority decision that is going to prevail,” Akpabio asserted.
He further emphasized that any disagreements are promptly addressed in closed sessions, preserving the Senate’s unity and solidarity.
Akpabio underlined the Senate’s role in supporting the President and his administration through legislation and oversight functions, all geared towards advancing the country.
During his meeting with President Tinubu, Akpabio discussed the upcoming 10th Assembly retreat set to take place in Akwa Ibom State. He sought the President’s support for Senate representation at the retreat, which was granted.
“I came to inform the President of the first 10th Assembly retreat, which is taking place tomorrow in Akwa Ibom State. We are moving the Senate all the way to Akwa Ibom for the next four days,” he stated.
Akpabio also mentioned his forthcoming trip to Angola to attend the internal parliamentary union, expressing the need to inform the President regarding his absence in the days to come.
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