A heated argument broke out in the Senate on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, as lawmakers clashed over a motion to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) who conducted the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The disagreement began when Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) attempted to raise a point of order under Senate Standing Orders 41, 52, and later Order 42, which permits personal explanations by senators.
However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), who presided over the session, rejected Abaribe’s request. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) argued that the motion was improperly timed, stating that the Senate had already progressed in its agenda for the day.
Barau labeled the motion controversial, questioning whether it should be allowed. This sparked a response from former Senate Leader Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), who warned that restricting lawmakers from speaking would set a dangerous precedent. “We have been managing this Senate for a long time,” Abdullahi asserted.
Abaribe, pushing back, declared, “We are not under a dictatorship,” and insisted on being heard. Citing Order 1(b), he argued that the Senate could regulate its proceedings in matters not explicitly covered by the rules.
Barau, however, upheld the Senate Leader’s position, ruling that Abaribe’s motion was inadmissible. He explained that Order 42 allows personal explanations only “by the indulgence of the Senate and with the leave of the President of the Senate” and prohibits controversial matters.
Senator Bamidele suggested that Abaribe bring the motion on another legislative day, noting that Order 1(b) could not override standing orders. The Senate agreed, advising Abaribe to reintroduce the motion later.
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, known for introducing the Option A4 voting and Open Ballot systems, passed away on October 24, 2024, at 83. His family has scheduled his burial for March 28.
