During a recent Senate session, Chief Whip Ali Ndume took a notable step during plenary when he decided to walk out.
His departure came shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared him out of order. Before making his exit, Ndume invoked Order 54 of the Senate rules as the basis for his point of order.
He emphasized that it was the Chief Whip’s role to provide guidance on the proper procedure and protocols during plenary sessions.
Ndume’s use of Order 54 aimed to direct the Senate President’s attention towards issues related to Senate proceedings. However, Akpabio, after hearing Ndume’s point of order, swiftly responded by pointing out a discrepancy between the section referenced by Ndume and the actual content of Order 54.
Akpabio consequently ruled him out of order.
At this point, Ndume left the plenary and went to his office, forcing Akpabio to call for a closed session.
Ndume however returned and joined proceedings after he was informed that the Senate had gone into closed session.
The 63-year-old representing Borno South recently accused Akpabio of passing bills without following due process.
