Senator Adams Oshiomhole has questioned the eligibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to occupy the office under the current Senate Standing Order, arguing that a strict interpretation of the rules could disqualify him.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, spoke during an interview on ARISE Television while reacting to the controversy surrounding the amendment of the Senate Standing Order and the definition of “ranking” senators.
The former Edo State governor backed concerns earlier raised by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire regarding the requirement for a minimum of eight years legislative experience for certain leadership positions in the Senate.
According to Oshiomhole, Akpabio may not meet the requirement if the rule is interpreted strictly because his years in the Senate were not consecutive.
“Godswill Akpabio did four years, lost re-election, became a minister, and later returned to the Senate. If you add the first term and the current one together, it still does not amount to eight consecutive years,” he said.
He argued that the amended rule could also affect other former lawmakers who left the Senate and later returned, including former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Oshiomhole maintained that legislative leadership should be based on the trust and acceptance of fellow senators rather than technical amendments designed to favour or exclude individuals.
“You do not make laws for specific individuals or against people you fear may emerge in future. That is not healthy for democracy,” he said.
The senator further warned against interpreting Senate rules in ways that could undermine democratic principles and institutional integrity.
Despite his criticism, Oshiomhole stated that his comments were not personal attacks on Akpabio, whom he described as a friend, but were motivated by concern for fairness and due process within the National Assembly.
