Kehinde Fajobi
There was mild drama in the Senate on Wednesday after a move to suspend the standing rules in order to allow members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber during plenary.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) proposed the suspension of Order 12 to enable the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacchaeus Adedeji, to provide detailed explanations on the Tax Reform Bills.
However, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) objected, suggesting that the matter be referred to the Senate’s finance or appropriations committee for further discussions with the economic team.
The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), clarified that the purpose of suspending the rule was to allow Nigerians to watch the debate on the four tax reform bills that President Tinubu had transmitted to the Senate.
Barau further requested Bamidele to clarify the order under which he was making his motion.
Bamidele responded, explaining that his motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12.
“Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted,” he said.
He added, “But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again.
“In addition, Sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says ‘in all cases where there is no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.”
Bamidele insisted that his motion, based on Order 1B and the suspension of Order 12, was necessary so Nigerians could watch the proceedings.
After some back-and-forth, Deputy Senate President Barau put the motion to a voice vote, and it was passed in favor of the ‘ayes.’
However, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) argued that the matter should have been listed on the Order Paper.
Barau ruled Ndume out of order, urging the Senate to focus on facts instead of rhetoric.
Following the debate, members of Tinubu’s economic team were allowed into the chamber.
Despite the resolution, Ndume demanded an apology from Barau for calling his comments “rhetoric.”
“I, therefore, demand an apology from you,” Ndume said.
Barau responded that “rhetoric” was not an insult, explaining that his comment was not directed at Ndume personally. He once again ruled Ndume out of order.