Tensions flared during the Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday, with a heated exchange erupting over seating arrangements.
The session commenced around 11 am, with Senate President GodsWill Akpabio announcing birthdays celebrated by lawmakers during the break.
Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice towards Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), while in return pointed his finger at Ya’u, prompting a pointed exchange.
Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined in, directing ire at Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), responsible for seating assignments.
The dispute stemmed from seating allocations in the newly renovated chamber, particularly concerning the placement of some senior senators.
Efforts by the Senate President to quell tensions were met with resistance from Yau, prolonging the disruption for about 20 minutes.
Following the Senate President’s address, the Senate leader proposed a closed-door session, which commenced at approximately 12:05 pm.
The Senate, originally slated to reconvene on April 16 after adjourning on March 20, delayed resumption twice to accommodate the completion of renovations ongoing since 2022.
