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Tag: Senator Adams Oshiomhole

  • Oshiomhole Challenges Akpabio, Demands Action on Insecurity During Senate Session

    Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised the Senate leadership over the worsening security situation in the country, questioning the implementation of resolutions aimed at addressing insecurity and military accountability.

    Oshiomhole made the remarks during plenary on Wednesday while senators debated recent attacks by bandits and kidnappers across different parts of the country.

    Questions Unimplemented Senate Resolution

    During his contribution, Oshiomhole recalled an earlier Senate resolution directing military authorities to identify and sanction an officer allegedly linked to the withdrawal of troops from a school in Kebbi State before a major abduction incident.

    The senator expressed frustration that the Senate had yet to receive any official feedback on the resolution despite several sittings since it was passed.

    According to him, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that resolutions passed by the chamber are implemented and not ignored.

    Raises Concerns Over Accountability

    Oshiomhole argued that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without accountability within the nation’s security institutions.

    He questioned the effectiveness of oversight efforts and warned that repeated resolutions would have little impact if government agencies failed to act on them.

    The lawmaker also called for greater scrutiny of security spending, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know whether resources allocated to defence and security are producing tangible results.

    Calls for Stronger Action Against Insecurity

    Speaking on recent attacks in different parts of the country, Oshiomhole lamented the continued loss of lives to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    He maintained that citizens expect practical solutions rather than repeated condemnations whenever attacks occur.

    The senator stressed that decisive action and accountability are necessary to restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.

    Debate Reflects Growing Concerns

    The remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity following recent attacks and abductions in several states.

    While the Senate has repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify efforts against criminal groups, critics have continued to question the effectiveness of legislative resolutions in tackling the crisis.

  • Oshiomhole Defends Call to Nationalise MTN Over Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

    Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended his controversial call for the nationalisation of MTN and other South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that the Nigerian government must prioritise the safety and dignity of its citizens above foreign investment concerns.

    “Nigerian lives must come first”

    The former Edo State governor insisted that Nigeria should consider restructuring ownership of South African companies if attacks on Nigerians continue.

    “I am aware that MTN is quoted, and therefore Nigerian shareholders can hold on, but we take away the South African rights,” he said.

    According to him, affected companies could later be re-privatised under Nigerian ownership.

    “That’s why I say you nationalise, and then you reprivatise it so that Nigerians can take it over, and the profit they are taking out of Nigeria will be retained here. There will be no South African share in it,” he added.

    Oshiomhole also suggested that similar measures could apply to foreign financial institutions operating in Nigeria.

    Links proposal to xenophobic attacks

    The senator tied his position directly to repeated attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, insisting that stronger economic measures were necessary.

    He argued that previous diplomatic engagements had failed to stop the violence.

    “When a country, for the first time, kills Nigerians, they got away with it. Second time, they riot, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it. Third time, they kill Nigerians, they got away with it,” he said.

    Oshiomhole also referenced agreements reached during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, claiming the commitments were not honoured.

    “Under Buhari, there was an agreement. They broke it. They are killing Nigerians. Nobody is in prison for murder,” he stated.

    Concerns over investors dismissed

    Responding to concerns that nationalisation could discourage foreign investment, Oshiomhole maintained that human lives should outweigh economic interests.

    “If anything leads to the death of Nigeria, what is the value of wealth to the dead? We don’t want investors who invest at the expense of human blood,” he said.

    He further questioned whether foreign capital should be prioritised over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.

    “Is foreign investor or foreign dollar more important than the life of a Nigerian?” he asked.

    South Africa reacts to renewed violence

    The remarks come amid renewed protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of Durban, Cape Town, East London and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, describing the perpetrators as opportunists exploiting social and economic frustrations.

    In Nigeria, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg is engaging South African authorities over the safety of Nigerians in the country.

    The latest comments by Oshiomhole have added fresh debate to ongoing conversations around xenophobia, diplomatic retaliation, and Nigeria’s relationship with foreign investors.

  • Senate Drama: Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Leadership Rule Clash

    There was fresh drama in the Senate after Senator Adams Oshiomhole publicly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a heated clash over controversial amendments to the Senate Standing Rules.

    The confrontation, which unfolded during plenary on May 6, 2026, exposed growing tensions within the Red Chamber ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

    Controversial amendment sparks uproar

    The crisis began after the Senate amended portions of its Standing Orders, particularly Orders 4 and 5, to tighten eligibility for key leadership positions.

    Under the amendment, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before an election would qualify to contest for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.

    The move effectively shut out first-term lawmakers and several incoming politicians believed to be eyeing leadership positions in the proposed 11th Senate.

    Critics within the chamber reportedly viewed the amendment as an attempt to protect certain political interests ahead of 2027.

    Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash during plenary

    Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly raised a point of order during the adoption of votes and proceedings, insisting that the records did not accurately reflect agreements reached during a closed-door session.

    Akpabio ruled him out of order, switched off his microphone and warned him against disrupting proceedings.

    “Senator Oshiomhole, for the last time, if you become unruly in this Senate, we will use the same rules to remove you from the Senate,” Akpabio reportedly said.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, leading to a tense exchange before other lawmakers intervened.

    Oshiomhole attacks Akpabio’s leadership

    Speaking after plenary, Oshiomhole criticised Akpabio’s handling of the amendment process and accused him of running the Senate in an autocratic manner.

    The former Edo State governor reportedly called on Akpabio to resign, describing the process that led to the amendment as flawed and rushed.

    He also argued that lawmakers were denied the opportunity for extensive debate before the controversial changes were adopted.

    Senate reverses amendment

    Amid mounting backlash and constitutional concerns, the Senate later rescinded the controversial amendment and reverted to the previous rules.

    Lawmakers argued that parts of the new provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52.

    The development has further highlighted growing political tensions within the ruling APC and renewed speculation over succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Amendment After Oshiomhole-Akpabio Clash

    The Senate on Thursday reversed its earlier amendment to key sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 after concerns emerged that the changes could conflict with the 1999 Constitution.

    The reversal followed a heated controversy that had rocked the red chamber over eligibility rules for principal leadership positions.

    Senate retreats after constitutional concerns

    Lawmakers rescinded the amendments to Orders 2(2) and 3(1), restoring the previous provisions.

    The earlier amendment had restricted principal offices to senators serving at least a second term, effectively shutting out potential contenders in the incoming 11th National Assembly expected to commence in June 2027.

    Among those believed to be affected were Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Hope Uzodimma and Kabiru Marafa.

    Oshiomhole, Akpabio clash over amendment

    The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary.

    Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings, prompting warnings from the Senate President.

    At one point, Akpabio threatened to order Oshiomhole out of the chamber if he continued disrupting proceedings.

    Despite the tension, the Senate initially went ahead with the amendment.

    Senate Leader moves rescission motion

    During Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to reverse the changes, arguing that fresh constitutional reviews revealed possible conflicts with Section 52 of the Constitution.

    “Certain provisions introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” he said.

    Bamidele added that the Senate retained the authority to revisit and correct earlier decisions in order to protect parliamentary integrity.

    Barau backs reversal

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, described the motion as necessary and straightforward.

    “This is just for us to go in conformity with the constitution,” Barau said.

    He commended the Senate Leader for quickly identifying the issue before it escalated further.

    Oshiomhole faults rushed process

    Reacting after the reversal, Oshiomhole criticised the process that led to the initial amendment.

    “The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is one flaw to this process,” he said.

    He urged the Senate to allow more robust debates before taking major decisions in the future.

    Bamidele, however, cautioned senators against turning legislative proceedings into unnecessary drama, insisting that disruptions during previous sittings overshadowed important parliamentary business.

  • “We’ll Use the Rules on You” — Akpabio Warns as Oshiomhole Disrupts Senate Proceedings

    There was a tense moment in the Senate on Wednesday after a heated exchange broke out between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over procedural rules.

    The disagreement erupted during plenary while the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting were being read.

    Clash over Senate procedure

    Trouble began when Oshiomhole raised a point of order, prompting Akpabio to remind him that such interruptions are not allowed at that stage under the amended Standing Orders.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole continued, leading Akpabio to call on Senator Orji Kalu to clarify the rule. Kalu backed the Senate President, insisting that no point of order could be entertained at that point.

    Tensions escalate on the floor

    As the exchange intensified, Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also stepped in, cautioning Oshiomhole to comply or risk disciplinary action.

    Akpabio later issued a direct warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

    The session eventually continued, with lawmakers adopting the Votes and Proceedings after a motion was moved and seconded.

    Fresh rule amendment sparks controversy

    The clash comes shortly after the Senate amended its Standing Rules, a move that has drawn attention ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Under the new provisions, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for principal leadership positions.

    This effectively limits eligibility for key roles such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning lawmakers from the current assembly.

    Implications for future contenders

    The amendment narrows the field for leadership positions in the incoming 11th National Assembly, excluding first-time or non-consecutive senators from contesting.

    Lawmakers say the change is aimed at strengthening parliamentary tradition and enforcing ranking within the Senate.

    The development has added another layer to ongoing political realignments, as attention gradually shifts toward 2027.

  • Senate Tension Rises as Oshiomhole Targets MTN, DSTV Over SA Crisis

    Tension rose in the Senate on Tuesday as Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for economic sanctions against South African companies operating in Nigeria over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.

    His remarks came as lawmakers condemned the violence and urged urgent diplomatic action.

    Oshiomhole pushes for economic retaliation

    Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole invoked the principle of reciprocity, arguing that Nigeria must respond firmly.

    “I don’t want this Senate to be shedding tears… If you hit me, I’ll hit you,” he said.

    He proposed the withdrawal of operating licences for MTN and DSTV, alleging that both companies repatriate significant revenue while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa.

    Call for licence revocation

    The senator urged the Federal Government to consider nationalising MTN and revoking its licence.

    He also called for similar action against DSTV, describing both firms as major economic actors with strong ties to South Africa.

    According to him, such steps would not only protect Nigerians but also create opportunities for local businesses.

    Lawmakers raise safety concerns

    Senator Victor Umeh also expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians abroad.

    He described reports from South Africa as alarming, noting that many Nigerians are unable to move freely due to fear of attacks.

    Umeh called on the African Union to intervene and consider sanctions against South Africa.

    Senate rejects proposal

    Despite the strong calls, the Senate declined to support the revocation of licences for MTN and DSTV.

    Lawmakers described the suggestion as uncalled for, even as they unanimously condemned the xenophobic attacks.

    They labelled the violence “barbaric, unlawful and inconsistent with African brotherhood.”

    Diplomatic pressure builds

    The development reflects growing pressure on the Federal Government to take decisive action in protecting Nigerians abroad.

    It also highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and diplomatic relations in responding to international crises.