The Nigerian Senate has denied reports suggesting a clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during a recent executive session, describing the claims as “entirely false” and a misrepresentation of parliamentary processes.
The clarification was issued on Saturday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, in response to what he termed “diverse media reports” implying that a disagreement occurred between the two senior lawmakers over whether the Senate should proceed on its annual recess.
“There is no iota of truth in these reports,” Adaramodu stated. “In their entirety, they misconstrue our time-tested parliamentary traditions, where members, regardless of political affiliations, engage in open, constructive debates on national issues.”
He emphasized that rigorous debate and scrutiny are fundamental to legislative work, not signs of division.
“The Senate, like every functional parliament across the world, operates on the foundation of robust deliberation. Every bill, motion, or policy proposal is thoroughly debated in both chamber and committee sessions, all in the interest of over 230 million Nigerians,” he said.
Adaramodu further cautioned against interpreting lively legislative discussions as signs of disunity. “Whether in the chamber or committee room, such debates should not be misconstrued as altercations among members, nor should they be seen as evidence of a crack within the leadership.”
The statement seeks to restore confidence in the cohesion of the Senate leadership amid increasing media scrutiny and speculation regarding internal dynamics within the National Assembly.
