A tense atmosphere engulfed the Senate on Wednesday evening as a heated exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
According to Sahara Reporters, the confrontation occurred during an executive session held to decide whether the Senate should adjourn for its annual two-month recess this week or next. The debate exposed deep divisions within the Senate leadership, with sources confirming that the disagreement sparked visible cracks among the chamber’s top officials.
Senator Ali Ndume reportedly sparked the row by criticizing the leadership for failing to convene a prior meeting to harmonize their positions before bringing the recess proposal to the floor. He stressed that such disorganization was unacceptable and urged the leadership to act with greater cohesion.
Ndume’s remarks unleashed pent-up frustrations, prompting Senator Bamidele to openly express dissatisfaction with Akpabio’s leadership.
“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele was quoted as saying. “He does not call leadership meetings or consult with anyone. He is autocratic. I am even considering resigning.”
Akpabio, visibly enraged by the criticism, responded angrily.
“Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I’m speaking. I am in charge here,” Akpabio reportedly shouted. “I have served as Commissioner, two-term Governor, Senate Minority Leader, and a powerful Minister. I know the Senate rules and leadership better than you.”
Witnesses say the confrontation nearly turned physical before other senators stepped in swiftly to calm the situation and restore order in the chamber.
As of press time, no official statement had been released regarding the incident. Efforts to contact Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, were unsuccessful, as his phone line remained unreachable and his WhatsApp status offline.
