Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, has made the headlines again for talking down on another senior colleague, Opeyemi Bamidele, in the legislative chamber during plenary.

The Senate president and Bamidele had a minor face-off while the latter was making a presentation during plenary on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

In a trending video, Bamidele, the Senate leader, was seen trying to talk about the Senate committee on finance, but Akpabio told him to move a motion for recess and suspend other papers until resumption.

Bamidele, who appeared displeased with Akpabio's interruption, attempted to continue with his presentation but the Senate president insisted he should shelve his speech.

The Senate president said:

"Distinguished Senate leader, please let's proceed as directed by the Senate president, move a motion for us to suspend other items on the paper and proceed on recess."

The development comes days after the Senate President was also seen addressing Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan from Kogi state in a controversial manner, saying "we are not in a nightclub."

Akpabio later apologised to Senator Natasha amid the outrage that trailed his comment.

Some Nigerians have commented on the video, expressing mixed reactions to the Senate president's leadership style.

Below are some of their reactions:

Mahmud Zakariya said: "Until Senator Akpabio is removed, the other senators will be disrespected and humiliated by him and Nigerians. He thinks he owns the senate."

Dr. (Hon) Uko Nna commented: "I can understand the agitations. Proceedings can be so exhausting. Most of them didn’t have breakfast and must be very hungry and some might have medications to take. Morning to 3 pm is not easy."

Dr Abdullahi Mohammed tweeted: "You can imagine the calibre of legislative leaders who determine the fate of our dear country! Shame shamed me."

Alpha Salisu reacted: "This Akpabio is a very annoying person. He is so arrogant."

Vesper Martini posited: "That's not disagreement. It's normal happening. It's Senator Opeyemi that should have yielded."