Mild tension gripped the Nigerian Senate on Monday as lawmakers engaged in a heated disagreement during the screening process of former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, as a ministerial nominee.
Some lawmakers had taken offence over the refusal of Keyamo, to honour invites by various committees in the 9th Senate and 9th House of Representatives.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe had called on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to suspend Keyamo’s screening until he acknowledges to the Red Chambers that they have the power to summon and question any Minister and his Ministry.
When put to a voice vote, the Senate could not decide on the next action to take which led to a rowdy Session.
After the situation become calm, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele called for the extension of the Senate sitting time and for the upper legislative Chambers to move into a closed-door session.
