The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, have reconciled their differences after months of public disagreements, with both lawmakers declaring an end to their strained relationship during Thursday’s plenary.
The reconciliation followed a heated exchange after Oshiomhole accused Akpabio of repeatedly failing to recognise him despite signalling to contribute on a Point of Order.
The former Edo State governor also jokingly criticised the Senate leadership for allegedly failing to provide adequate consideration for lawmakers he described as “vertically challenged,” a reference to shorter members of the chamber.
Responding, Akpabio denied intentionally ignoring Oshiomhole, explaining that he had been addressing Senator Onawo Ogoshi of Nasarawa South, who had raised concerns over the Senate’s earlier public criticism of Oshiomhole.
Oshiomhole had attracted controversy after questioning why former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, failed to honour invitations from the Senate Public Accounts Committee.
The disagreement between the two senior lawmakers had deepened in recent months following several political clashes.
Oshiomhole had opposed proposed amendments to Senate rules concerning eligibility for the position of Senate President and later criticised the nomination of Professor Abayomi Fasina as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Akpabio had also previously taken a swipe at Oshiomhole over a viral video involving the former Edo governor and a woman aboard a private jet.
However, during Thursday’s sitting, the Senate President apologised to Oshiomhole and sought to put the disagreements behind them.
Akpabio acknowledged the need to maintain unity among lawmakers, saying, “Agreement is Agreement,” a phrase popularly associated with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The remark drew laughter from senators in the chamber, as both lawmakers appeared to signal a fresh start in their working relationship.
The reconciliation is expected to ease tensions within the Senate and promote greater cooperation among members as the chamber continues legislative activities.
