Tempers flared in the Senate on February 11 as Senator Onyeka Nwebonyi of Ebonyi State engaged in a heated exchange with Senator Rufai Hanga of Kano State during the Ministry of Works’ budget defence session attended by Minister David Umahi.
The exact cause of the disagreement remains unclear, but a video circulating on social media suggests the altercation may have stemmed from time allocation for senators to engage the minister during the session.
In the footage, Nwebonyi is heard protesting the limited time given to him to speak, raising his voice during the proceedings. He was also heard telling Senator Hanga that, as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he had more right to speak than Hanga, who belongs to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Senator Ali Ndume was seen urging calm, reportedly cautioning Hanga about the presence of cameras. However, Hanga responded by stating that he secured significantly more votes in his election compared to Nwebonyi.
Hanga also alleged that since the interaction with Minister Umahi began, Nwebonyi had focused more on praising the minister than asking substantive questions.
The incident briefly disrupted proceedings before order was restored.
Watch a clip from the clash below.