The Nigerian Senate has reversed its recent amendment to the Standing Orders after concerns were raised over possible constitutional issues.

The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary on Thursday.

Bamidele explained that the amendments earlier made to Section 2, Subsection 2, and Section 3, Subsection 1, could create constitutional inconsistencies and unintended controversies after further legislative review.

The resolution was adopted during plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

The Senate had earlier amended its rules to state that only senators-elect who had taken the oath contained in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution would be allowed to participate in Senate proceedings, including voting for the Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

The development, however, generated tension in the chamber after Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised a point of order to clarify his earlier remarks, which led to a disagreement with the Senate President during Wednesday’s plenary.

Oshiomhole insisted that lawmakers should be allowed to freely express their views on issues before the Senate.

However, the Deputy Senate President ruled him out of order, saying the matter had already been settled.

Bamidele also maintained that any senator with concerns should bring them before the chamber through a substantive motion in line with the Senate rules.

He further urged Oshiomhole not to continue what he described as “drama” on the Senate floor, referring to the exchanges during the previous day’s sitting.

(NAN)