Senate’s Order 54 causes Ndume Stages Walkout

During Tuesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued a summons for an emergency closed session of the Senate, according to Naija News. Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Senate’s chief whip, reportedly walked out of the chambers after Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared him to be out of order, leading to the emergency closed session. It was reported that the Senate Chief Whip raised a point of order and referenced Senate Standing Order No. 54.

According to Naija News; “Ndume, after raising the order, called the Senate President’s attention to his approach to handling issues and how he disagrees with it.

” he cautioned Mr. President, there are some things we do in this chamber that are against the rules. Sir, nobody is too big to learn…”

“However, Akpabio interjected at that point and called for a copy of the Standing Orders.

“He proceeded to read order 54 and said it did not support the point Ndume was making and thereafter ruled him out of order.

“Following this, Ndume packed files papers on his desk and, stormed out of the Chamber and went straight to his office.

“He was reportedly just settling down when he received a call from a colleague to return to the chamber for an executive session.

“The executive session was still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.”