Senate Suspends Debate On Amendments To Standing Orders

The Senate on Tuesday commenced deliberations on proposed amendments to its Standing Orders 2023, aimed at integrating newly established committees and strengthening legislative procedures.
However, debate on the changes was temporarily halted following objections raised by the Minority Leader.

The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), underscored the importance of the Standing Orders as the primary framework for legislative conduct, committee operations, and procedural processes in the upper chamber.

Lawmakers observed that evolving national realities and the establishment of new special-purpose commissions made it necessary to update the rules.

Several provisions in the existing Standing Orders, they noted, require revision to improve clarity, streamline operations, and enhance oversight functions.

The Senate also stressed the need to harmonise the jurisdiction of certain committees with those of the House of Representatives—particularly the Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council and related matters.

The proposed amendments include changes to rules governing the participation of senators-elect in electing presiding officers, clarification of qualification and ranking criteria for such positions, and updates on sitting times. Other adjustments would permit presiding officers and nominees to drink water during proceedings.

Additionally, lawmakers highlighted the need to review criteria for the suspension of senators and strengthen provisions relating to committee composition and equitable geopolitical representation.

The chamber further noted the establishment of new standing committees, including those overseeing the North Central, North West, South East, South South, and South West Development Commissions, as well as committees on Livestock Development and Reparations and Repatriations.

It emphasized that these committees must be formally integrated under Order 96 of the Standing Orders.

Citing the risks of failing to update the rules—such as weakened oversight capacity and diminished institutional effectiveness—the Senate resolved to sit as a Committee of the Whole to deliberate on and adopt the amendments.

It also directed the Clerk of the Senate to reprint the Standing Orders once the updates are approved.

However, proceedings shifted when Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (Benue South) raised a point of order under Order 109 of the 2023 Standing Orders.

“The amendment—I want to seek clarification on this rule. Let’s tarry a little bit and wait,” Moro said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the point of order, thereby suspending further debate on the amendments pending additional clarification.