Senate Rescinds Oath-Taking Amendment Amid Tensions

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate experienced heightened tensions as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele openly confronted former Edo State Governor Adam Oshiomhole regarding a controversial amendment to the Senate's standing orders. The Senate rescinded a portion of the amendment that granted the Clerk of the National Assembly the power to swear in newly elected senators, reversing a practice that had been established.

Bamidele argued that the amendment was inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52, which deals with the election of the president and the swearing-in of lawmakers. Following a motion moved by Bamidele during a plenary session presided over by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate adopted the motion through a voice vote.

Oshiomhole raised a point of order, criticizing the manner in which the amendment was handled and warning against hasty legislation without adequate debate. Bamidele expressed visible displeasure at Oshiomhole's intervention, emphasizing the need for proper parliamentary procedure and discouraging unnecessary drama in the Senate.