Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, who represents the Edo North Senatorial District, claimed in a television appearance that the 9th Senate members robbed their offices at the end of their term in June. On Tuesday, senators of the 10th National Assembly quarrelled and openly engaged in outrage over the claim.continue reading
Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan of the Ogun West Senatorial District opened the attack with a point of order in which he called the senators' attention to the interview that had been shown on a widely watched television.
Given that he served as a senator for the Lagos West Senatorial District in the 9th Senate, Adeola claimed that the interview had violated his privilege.
Oshiomhole should "unreservedly apologise for saying that Senators looted their offices," he insisted.
Adamu Aliero, a senator from the Kebbi Central Senatorial District and a former federal minister, supported him and demanded Oshiomhole apologise.
In the midst of the clamour, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District, a former Senate leader, raised a matter of order and urged that the red chamber be adjourned into an executive session since the subject was delicate.
At this time, some senators became uncomfortable and demanded, requesting that the subject be discussed in front of the cameras.
Senators chose to discuss the topic in plenary by voting "nay" when the move to enter closed door session was presented to a voice vote.
At this moment, Oshiomhole was invited to approach the chair by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. After a brief discussion, Akpabio invited Oshiomhole to give his personal perspective on the situation.
Oshiomhole apologised and claimed that, when given the chance to explain his viewpoint, he really defended the recently-expired Senators.