There was a mild drama Wednesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, as the Senate attempted to allow members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved for suspension of Order 12 to allow for visitors into the chamber.
Bamidele said, “Tax experts and consultants as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers.”
However, immediately after the submission, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), stood up and read from the Order listing the titles of those who were allowed into the Senate plenary according to the Senate’s rules.
Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.
In response, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that the Senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.
He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.
Bamidele, in response, said, “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.
“Mr. President, let me clarify. My 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.
“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’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.
“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”
Upon his explanation, the deputy president then put the question to a voice vote, after which he hit the gavel in favour of the ayes.
Shortly after, Ndume stood up and said such an important matter should have been highlighted on the Order Paper and since it wasn’t a Supplementary Order Paper, it should be printed or stepped down for another legislative day.
Barau, after explaining, said they should avoid rhetoric and face facts, after which he ruled Ndume out of order.
A moment after members of the economic team were allowed into the plenary, Ndume stood up and raised another Point of Order stating that the Deputy Senate President describing his comment as “rhetoric” was an insult.
He said, “I, therefore, demand an apology from you.”
In response, Barau laughed and said rhetoric wasn’t an insult, and it wasn’t directly in response to his comment but a general statement.
Once again, Barau ruled Ndume out of order.