Tension flared in the Senate on Tuesday after a proposed amendment to the Senate Standing Orders was abruptly stepped down following stiff opposition from several lawmakers, including the Minority Leader, Patrick Abba Moro.
A document titled Orders of the Day for the November 18, 2025 plenary, obtained by SaharaReporters, showed that Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, sponsored a motion seeking the presentation and consideration of amendments to the 2023 Standing Orders. The proposal aimed to “accommodate new committees and enhance legislative practice.”
According to the document, the Senate leadership argued that the review was necessary to reflect “emerging national realities,” the creation of new commissions, and the need to align committee jurisdictions with those of the House of Representatives. The proposed amendments also covered issues such as:
- Participation of senators-elect in electing presiding officers
- Qualification and ranking criteria for presiding officer positions
- Rules on sitting times
- Permission for presiding officers and nominees to drink water during proceedings
- Criteria for suspending senators
- Committee composition and geopolitical representation
However, the presentation quickly descended into a heated confrontation.
A senator who witnessed the proceedings told SaharaReporters that the Minority Leader raised a Point of Order 108, arguing that the amendment process did not follow due procedure. The objection reportedly created tension across the chamber, forcing the Senate leadership to step down the motion.
Another source familiar with the session said many lawmakers believed the amendment was a covert political strategy designed to block certain senators from contesting or voting in the election of presiding officers.
“The Senate is trying to change the rule to bar some senators from contesting, voting, and participating in the process of electing Senate presiding officers,” the source said, noting that the alleged plan provoked strong backlash from lawmakers.
He added that the resistance was overwhelming, compelling the leadership to suspend the proposal for now.
“It was rejected by many senators and stepped down. This happened during today’s sitting,” he said.
