There was serious drama in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday evening as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele got into a heated shouting match during a closed-door session.
The clash happened during an executive meeting held to decide whether the Senate should begin its annual two-month recess this week or next week. Sources say the disagreement exposed cracks in the Senate leadership.
Senator Ali Ndume first raised concern, criticising the Senate leadership for not holding a proper meeting before bringing the issue to the floor. He advised the leadership to be more united and better organised.
His comments seemed to spark deeper frustrations. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele openly expressed his dissatisfaction with how Senate President Akpabio runs the chamber.
“I am frustrated as Senate Leader working under Senate President Akpabio,” Bamidele reportedly said. “He doesn’t hold leadership meetings or consult anyone. He acts alone. I am even thinking of stepping down.”
Akpabio, visibly angry, interrupted Bamidele, shouting, “Senator Opeyemi should sit down! He cannot speak while I am speaking. I am in charge here,” he reportedly said, listing his past positions in government to show his experience.
As the argument became more heated, both men reportedly stood up and looked ready to physically confront each other before other senators quickly stepped in to calm the situation.
The Senate is yet to officially speak on the incident, but the development points to growing tension within the chamber’s top ranks as the legislative year draws to a close.