The Senate is currently holding a closed-door session prompted by a motion on privilege raised by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru. During the session, Ashiru cited Orders 9, 10, 41, and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, stressing the urgency of addressing matters of privilege.
He stated, “Order 9 refers to privileges and the rights enjoyed by the Senate collectively and by its members individually, combined by legislative powers and privileges. Whenever a matter of privilege arises, it must be addressed immediately.
“In cases where adequate provision is not made in the standing orders, the resolution regulates this procedure.”
He also referenced Order 10, which allows any senator to speak on an urgent privilege matter without prior notice.
Before Ashiru could elaborate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, allowing Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to propose a motion for an executive session.
Bamidele requested the Senate to dissolve into a closed-door session for discussions before resuming plenary, a motion that was seconded by Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu.
Akpabio confirmed the motion, stating, “A motion has been moved and seconded for this assembly to resolve into a closed session to discuss matters of national importance.”
The move follows a recent clash between Ashiru and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which escalated during a debate on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. Ashiru had described the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”
In response, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi accused Ashiru of harbouring a personal vendetta related to past arrests connected to drug abuse at his residence in Kwara.
Senator Ashiru’s Special Assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, urged the NDLEA to take legal action against anyone involved in drug-related crimes, challenging the agency to prosecute those guilty of such offences. The NDLEA has faced scrutiny over its alleged corruption, further fuelling the ongoing conflict.
