Senate turns rowdy as Saraki snubs Akpabio during plenary

Senator Godswill Akpabio

For more than twenty-five minutes on Wednesday, the Senate plenary was held amidst rowdiness as Senate President Bukola Saraki refused to give audience to the former Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Our correspondent observed that the face-off started when Mr Akpabio called for recognition to speak after Senator Bassey Akpan, had raised the alarm of alleged plans by the APC to cause mayhem in Akwa Ibom state during the 2019 election.

In turn, Mr Saraki refused Mr Akpabio on the grounds that he could not be allowed to speak using another Senator’s microphone as where the lawmaker was seating had no microphone attached.

Immediately, the hallowed chamber became rowdy, preventing the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Emmanuel Paulker who made frantic efforts to speak on the issue.

Recall that Mr Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North West, had resigned as the Minority leader following his defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC.