The Nigerian Senate witnessed a tense atmosphere on Tuesday as the Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, walked out of the chamber during a session.
Tensions brewed shortly after the commencement of the sitting when Senator Ndume raised a point of order, alleging procedural errors that had gone uncorrected. The issue in question pertained to a motion presented by Senator Summaila Kawu, representing Kano South, regarding the reopening of the Nigerian-Niger border. Senator Ndume pointed out that the motion did not include a proper title, violating established rules and procedures.
Under the provisions of Order 51 of the Senate’s standing rules, Senator Ndume requested that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, allow for the correction of any errors discovered during the session. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws, rules, and procedures governing the Senate’s proceedings.
In response, Senate President Akpabio swiftly intervened, stating that once rulings on issues were made, they could not be revisited. Consequently, he ruled Senator Ndume out of order.
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, attempted to support Senator Ndume’s concerns through another point of order. However, his attempt was also promptly ruled out of order by the Senate President.
Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, then invoked Order 16, which requires a substantive motion to be introduced by any Senator for the correction or review of previous decisions. The Senate President upheld Barau’s point of order, further frustrating Senator Ndume.
Ndume, dissatisfied with the rulings against him, raised yet another point of order, Order 54, in a last-ditch effort to address the perceived error. Nonetheless, he was once again ruled out of order by the Senate President.
Frustrated by these developments, Ndume gathered his belongings and abruptly left the chamber. The remaining lawmakers later convened in an executive session to address and resolve their differences.
