After initial rejection, Senate admits governors into chamber for State Police debate

The request was initially rejected after it was subjected to a voice vote in which senators voted against their presence in the red chamber.

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The decision briefly delayed proceedings as the invited governors and other senior officials were already waiting at the entrance to the chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently appealed to his colleagues to revisit the matter, adding that it is important for governors and other stakeholders to closely follow the debate.

He added that the State Police bill originated from the executive arm of government and that many of the invited guests were senior executive officials.

Afterwards, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a fresh motion seeking the suspension of Order 12 of the Senate Rules on floor privileges to admit the visitors into the chamber as strangers.

The motion was supported by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who commended Akpabio for what he described as his inclusive leadership and foresight.

He said allowing key stakeholders to witness the debate would promote broader participation in the consideration of the proposed legislation.

Those admitted into the chamber included Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Lucky Aiyadatiwa of Ondo state.