Tension erupted during plenary on Wednesday evening as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele engaged in a shouting confrontation that nearly led to a physical altercation.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, tension erupted during an executive session to deliberate on whether to adjourn the current legislative sitting this week or next week for the Senate’s traditional two-month annual recess.
Sources who spoke to the publication mentioned above stated that disagreements among the leadership over the adjournment plan led to visible cracks within the chamber’s top hierarchy.
Senator Ali Ndume had criticised the Senate leadership for failing to hold a prior meeting to unify their position before bringing the matter to the floor.
He reportedly said that was not how things should be done, urging the leadership to show greater coordination.
Ndume’s comment ignited long-simmering frustrations, as Senate Leader Bamidele publicly voiced his displeasure with Senate President Akpabio’s leadership style.
“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele reportedly said in the heated session. “He does not call leadership meetings; he doesn’t consult with anyone. He is autocratic. In fact, I am contemplating resigning as Senate Leader.”
Akpabio, visibly angered by Bamidele’s remarks, fired back sharply.
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I am speaking. I am in charge here,” Akpabio reportedly yelled. “I have served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I know the Senate rules and leadership more than you.”
It was learnt that as tempers flared, both men appeared ready to confront each other physically before other senators quickly intervened to de-escalate the situation and restore order.
No official statement had been issued as of the time of filing this report.
Efforts to reach Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, were unsuccessful. His phone line was unreachable, and he was also offline on WhatsApp.
