The Nigerian Senate found itself embroiled in a deepening crisis today as Chief Whip Senator Ali Ndume dramatically staged a walkout from the chamber. This development prompted Senate President Godswill Akpabio to hastily call for an emergency closed session, in a bid to diffuse the tension.
Ndume had raised a point of order, citing order 54 of the Senate Rule Book to highlight what he saw as a violation of the rules of conduct within the chamber. He addressed the Senate President directly, saying, “Mr. President, there are some things we do in this chamber that are against the rules. Sir, nobody is too big to learn.”
However, Akpabio swiftly ruled Ndume’s speech out of order, barely allowing him to finish. This decision visibly angered the Chief Whip, prompting him to storm out of the chamber and retreat to his office.
Shortly thereafter, Ndume received a phone call from a fellow colleague, requesting his return to the chamber for an executive session. The nature and purpose of the session are yet to be disclosed.
While the executive session continues behind closed doors, the crisis within the Senate remains unresolved, with both sides locked in a tense stand-off.
