— Akpabio halts plenary, calls for closed-door session as leadership disagrees on next steps
Tension gripped the Senate on Thursday as disagreement among its leadership disrupted deliberations on the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was billed for second reading.
The drama began when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, was presenting the lead debate on the amendment bill. Midway through his presentation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, expressing dissatisfaction with Lalong’s presentation and calling for a closed-door session.
“I want to know whether there are certain things that will convince us here of the need to pass this amendment for second reading,” Akpabio said.
“In my opinion, Senator Lalong, you have not touched the nitty-gritty of the reasons for this amendment. For us to proceed, I suggest we go into a closed session so members can understand the specific areas you want to amend. Let’s not be taken by surprise at the public hearing.”
However, rather than proceed into a closed-door meeting, the chamber’s microphones were switched off as the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, led other principal officers to consult privately with the Senate President.
After about ten minutes, Bamidele returned to the floor, stating that the timing was not right for an executive session.
“I believe the time today is not auspicious for us to go into an executive session to discuss this bill,” Bamidele told the chamber. “There is a need for further consultation and for members to understand the general principles of the bill before proceeding to second reading.”
Following his intervention, Bamidele moved a motion to step down further consideration of the bill to another legislative day. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, effectively ending deliberations on the amendment for the day.
