Akpabio softpedals on Kingibe after senator stages walk out

Sharon EboesomiDecember 12, 20245 min

Sen. Kingibe apologised for walking out on the senate but said “I expect fairness in the senate for everybody; concessions are given to other people, and I expect them to be given to me also.”

Kingibe apologises
                      Ireti Kingibe

The senate was thrown into a moment of tension during Thursday’s plenary session when Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) attempted to raise a motion of urgent national importance regarding the demolition of an estate in Abuja.

The ensuing exchange between her and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio highlighted the complexities of parliamentary rules and the delicate balance between protocol and advocacy.

Sen. Kingibe sought to bring the motion forward despite it not being listed on the day’s order paper. However, Akpabio refused to allow the discussion, citing senate procedures that preclude revisiting unlisted matters once deliberations have commenced.

Kingibe, arguing the urgency of her motion, insisted on her right to speak but was unable to sway Akpabio. Frustrated by the refusal, she walked out of the chamber in protest.

The incident sparked whispers among lawmakers, with some senators discreetly approaching Akpabio to discuss the unfolding situation. Speaking on the matter, Akpabio addressed concerns about the perception of the senate’s actions. He remarked,“We are still waiting to see if Ireti Kingibe will come in. I know social media is very active, a lot of people do not understand the rules of parliament just as we don’t understand the rules of engagement of the military. 

“When we take a decision here, people tend to go personal and they will run to social media.”

In a conciliatory gesture, Akpabio encouraged Sen. Idiat Oluranti (APC, Lagos West), to invite Kingibe back into the chamber, emphasising the importance of her voice representing the FCT. He said, “If you can go outside and call your colleague, so that she can come and say what she wants to say so it won’t look as if she was shut out particularly these days of gender sensitivity.”

READ ALSO: Wike, Ireti trade words over protest allegations

Upon her return, Akpabio highlighted the gravity of her initial decision to leave, stating, “You know at any point in time, you were elected to represent your people, the people of FCT, if you step out while proceedings are going on, they loose because they won’t have the opportunity of hearing your voice and you won’t have the opportunity of saying something on their behalf.

“The rules are very clear and we are still learning but in spite of the rules, we have taken a decision that this matter should be taken today.

“In spite that it is not on the order paper, in the wisdom of the elders of the senate, they feel that you should actually be given the opportunity to say something.”

While granting her the opportunity to present her motion, Akpabio requested that Kingibe tender an apology for walking out on her colleagues. “Go ahead and move your motion but start with a slight apology to your colleagues for walking out on them.”

Initially, she refused, saying, “No sir.” In his response, Akpabio said, “then we have a problem there. If you are not humble enough to apologise to your colleagues for walking out on them, then you won’t do your motion

Kingibe eventually relented, apologising to the chamber while expressing her expectations for fairness and equitable treatment.

The FCT lawmaker, after apologising and making her point known, went ahead to read her motion as approved by Akpabio.

She said, “I apologise to my colleagues for walking out on them, i expect fairness in the senate for everybody; concessions are given to other people I expect them to be given to me also,” Sen. Kingibe said.

After apologising, Kingibe moved her motion, urging the senate to instruct the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt the demolition of the Abuja estate and set up a committee to investigate the matter. She further recommended inviting Wike and other stakeholders to ensure lawmakers are well-informed before making decisions. Her motion was subsequently read and approved by the senate.

STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of FCT district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Ireti  throughout the 10th senate here.

 

Sharon Eboesomi

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