SENATORS FIGHT OVER SEAT IN NEWLY RENOVATED CHAMBER

The Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday was marred by a rowdy session in which senators exchanged heated words about seating arrangements in the recently renovated chamber.

Since the Red Chamber was closed for renovations in 2022, today marks the first time senators will use it. 

The plenary, which commenced around 11 am, began with the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, reading out announcements, including the names of lawmakers who had celebrated their birthdays during the break.

Trouble began when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice at the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who in turn pointed a finger at Yau in what appeared to be a stern warning.

Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined Yau in shouting at Bamidele and the chairman of Senate Services, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who was overseeing the seating arrangements.

The altercation was reportedly triggered by the seating arrangement in the newly renovated chamber, with some ranking senators expressing dissatisfaction with their seats in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.

Despite the Senate President’s attempt to calm the situation by inviting the disgruntled senators to approach the chair one by one, Yau refused to comply.

The commotion lasted for about 20 minutes before order was restored. Following the Senate President’s welcome-back speech, the Senate leader moved for the Senate to resolve into a closed-door session, which commenced at about 12:05 pm.

The Senate had adjourned plenary on March 20 until April 16, but the resumption was postponed twice to allow for the completion of the chamber, which had been undergoing renovation since 2022.