From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Senate has on Thursday, reversed parts of its recently amended Standing Orders 2026; following concerns that some provisions were inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.
The decision came barely days after the upper chamber amended sections of its rules regulating the emergence of Senate Presiding and Principal Officers, a move that sparked controversy among lawmakers immediately.
The reversal, however, triggered fresh criticism from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign.
Moving the motion during plenary, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said a fresh legislative and constitutional review showed that parts of the amendments could conflict with Section 52 of the Constitution.
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“The Senate observed that upon further legislative and constitutional review, certain provisions introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” Bamidele said.
He explained that the Senate had the authority to revisit and rescind earlier decisions in order to protect the integrity of its legislative framework.
The motion was seconded by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and later adopted by the Chamber.
Deputy Senate, President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, described the reversal as necessary to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.
“This is a very straightforward motion, it’s just for us to go in conformity with the Constitution,” Barau stated.
The controversial amendment had introduced stricter eligibility conditions for Senators seeking principal offices in the 11th National Assembly.
Under the amended rules, senators were required to have served at least two consecutive terms before contesting for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader and Chief Whip.
The rules also established a ranking system favouring former presiding officers, former principal officers and long-serving lawmakers.
The development generated tension within the Senate, especially amid growing speculation that several outgoing governors and political heavyweights are planning to contest Senate seats ahead of 2027.
Among those mentioned is Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who is reportedly eyeing the Senate Presidency after leaving office.
Reacting to the reversal, Oshiomhole faulted the process that led to the earlier amendment, accusing lawmakers of rushing the changes to satisfy certain interests.
“The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is one flaw in this process.
“The Senate president became minority leader in his first term. If we pass the rule that you must do eight consecutive years before becoming Senate president, then he should lead by example and vacate the seat,” Oshiomhole said.
