The Senate holds a closed-door session after a motion of privilege by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, amid tensions with the NDLEA.
The Nigerian Senate entered a closed-door session on Wednesday following a motion of privilege raised by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru.
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The motion, described as a matter of urgent national importance, invoked Senate Standing Orders 9, 10, 41, and 52.
It addresses the rights and privileges enjoyed by the Senate as a body and by its members individually, emphasising the importance of addressing matters of privilege immediately.
Ashiru explained, “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.”
Before Ashiru could elaborate further, Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, giving the floor to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who moved for an executive session. Bamidele requested that the Senate dissolve into a closed-door session, citing the need for private discussions on matters of national importance.
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, acting on behalf of the Minority Leader.
Ashiru did not explicitly reveal the nature of the privilege issue, but it follows recent tensions between the senator and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
During a debate last week on the Bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, Ashiru labelled the NDLEA “the most corrupt and compromised agency,” sparking a public exchange.
The NDLEA, through its spokesperson Femi Babafemi, accused Ashiru of making the comments in retaliation for a personal grievance.
Babafemi claimed Ashiru’s frustration stemmed from an incident where the NDLEA arrested individuals allegedly involved in drug activities at the senator’s Ilorin residence.
In response, Senator Ashiru’s Special Assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, dismissed these allegations, stating that Ashiru has long been critical of the NDLEA’s practices, and the recent accusations are an attempt to undermine his credibility.
Adeyanju also challenged the NDLEA to prosecute any individuals linked to illicit drug activities if they possess sufficient evidence.
The controversy surrounding Ashiru and the NDLEA is likely one of the sensitive issues being discussed during the Senate’s closed-door session.
The outcome of the session, as well as further developments in the senator’s dispute with the NDLEA, remains to be seen.
