Drama: Senators Reject Gbajabiamila, Governors in Chamber, Akpabio Rescues

The Senate on Wednesday initially rejected a motion seeking to admit the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, governors, ministers and other top government officials into the Senate Chamber during proceedings on the State Police Bill. The officials had arrived at the National Assembly to observe deliberations on the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police Services, but senators opposed their admission when the request was first put to a voice vote. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had moved a motion pursuant to Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Rules, seeking permission for the visitors to be allowed into the chamber. When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, the majority of lawmakers responded in the negative, effectively rejecting the request. The decision left the visiting dignitaries, including Gbajabiamila, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, state governors and other senior government officials waiting outside the chamber. Under Senate rules, non-members can only gain access to the chamber after obtaining the approval of lawmakers through a motion moved and adopted on the floor. Following the rejection, Akpabio appealed to senators to reconsider their position and allow the visitors to witness proceedings on the State Police Bill. He noted that the guests were important stakeholders in the constitutional amendment process and deserved the opportunity to observe deliberations on a bill considered crucial to addressing Nigeria's security challenges. After the appeal, Akpabio directed Bamidele to reintroduce the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. When the motion was again put to a voice vote, opposition voices were still heard from some lawmakers, indicating continued resistance to the request. Despite the objections, Akpabio ruled in favour of the motion and approved the admission of the visitors into the chamber. His decision paved the way for Gbajabiamila, governors, ministers and other government officials to enter the chamber and observe the proceedings. The development briefly interrupted legislative business and exposed divisions among senators over the relaxation of parliamentary rules for high-ranking government officials. Following the resolution of the matter, the Senate proceeded with consideration of the State Police Bill. Lawmakers subsequently passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026 for third reading. The bill seeks to establish State Police Services while retaining a Federal Police Service and providing constitutional safeguards against political interference and abuse of police powers.