On July 23, 2026, The President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reiterated the necessity of maintaining legislative decorum and strict adherence to procedural rules on the floor of the upper chamber, urging lawmakers to lead by example during parliamentary deliberations.
The call for compliance occurred during Friday’s plenary session during discussions surrounding legislative oversight and the Senate’s constitutional powers to enforce compliance with invitations issued to heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The procedural reminder arose when Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed an additional prayer to a motion seeking strict enforcement measures, including bench warrants for non-compliant agency chiefs. Intervening on the floor, Senate President Akpabio clarified the established rules regarding additional prayers and floor conduct.
When you have additional prayers, you don’t go back into debates. That is the rule of the Senate. Any additional prayer, you move,emphasizing that debate closes once additional prayers are introduced.
Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Further addressing Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who rose to second the proposed prayer, Akpabio highlighted the importance of experienced lawmakers upholding established Senate standing orders to set a standard for parliamentary proceedings.
“It is important for you to set a good example. As somebody who has been in the Senate for three years,” Akpabio noted, reminding lawmakers that the role of seconding an additional prayer is limited to secondment without reopening floor debate.
Following the procedural clarification and formal secondment, the motion was put to a voice vote in accordance with Senate standing rules.
The leadership of the Senate continues to emphasize orderly legislative proceedings as the National Assembly strengthens its oversight mechanisms and exercises its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability across government agencies.
