Senators fight over seats in newly Renovated chamber
Upon the Senate's return from the Easter and Sallah break on Tuesday, April 30, a tumultuous atmosphere unfolded as senators engaged in a heated dispute over seating arrangements. The session commenced at 11:00am following the arrival of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the chamber.
After the customary prayers, Akpabio acknowledged senators who celebrated birthdays during the recess. Amidst this announcement, tensions escalated as Senator Sahabi Ya’u and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele exchanged words and gestures, drawing in Senator Danjuma Goje to join the fray.
The ruckus stemmed from the rearranged seating in the Senate's recently renovated main chamber, with some lawmakers displeased over their assigned positions. The Senate president intervened, urging disgruntled senators to address their concerns individually, though Senator Ya’u appeared reluctant to comply.
The commotion endured for about 20 minutes before the Senate president delivered his welcoming address. Subsequently, the Senate Leader proposed an executive session behind closed doors, which commenced at 12:05pm.
Having previously adjourned plenary till April 16, the Senate postponed the resumption twice to finalize the renovation of the chamber, an ongoing project since 2022.