Senate Bars Fresh Lawmakers From Contesting As Presiding Officers

The Nigerian Senate has recently made an amendment to its standing orders, specifically Rule 3(2) (1-3) of the Senate Standing Orders.

This amendment restricts first-term Senators from competing for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President, stipulating that any Senator aspiring to hold these positions must have served a minimum of one term in the Senate. [caption id="attachment_12134" align="alignnone" width="710"] The Nigerian Senate chamber during a plenary session. Photo: Gazette[/caption] The amendment was proposed and moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during a legislative session that took place on a Tuesday. This change in the Senate's standing orders seems to be a response to a previous leadership dispute that occurred before the swearing-in of lawmakers in the 10th Senate. During that time, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a first-term Senator, contested against Senator Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President, Channels TV reports. Additionally, the Senate made further amendments to its rules by creating nine new Standing Committees, bringing the total number of Standing Committees in the Senate to 74. These committees play crucial roles in the legislative process and oversight functions of the Senate. The rationale behind these amendments could include ensuring that individuals with more experience in legislative matters and Senate proceedings are eligible for the top leadership positions, thereby potentially enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Senate's operations. In July, the Senate confirmed the nomination of four new service chiefs appointed by President Bola Tinubu.