No rift with Akpabio, I’m only performing my duties — Senator Goje

Senator Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central, has clarified that there was no rift between him and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s rowdy session, describing the incident as a routine parliamentary procedure.

Goje offered the clarification during Wednesday’s plenary, a day after he confronted Akpabio over what he called an “unparliamentary act”during proceedings.

The senator, who had raised a point of order citing procedural rules, said his actions were misinterpreted by sections of the media.

“My intention in calling that order was not to go against the Senate President personally or to fight him,” Goje said. “The idea is to contribute my quota as an experienced parliamentarian to ensure that the Senate follows the rules. There is nothing personal against the Senate President or any senator

He urged journalists and social media users to correct the narrative, stressing that the exchange had been exaggerated.

There was no drama. There was no controversy, and there was no fight. I only raised a normal point of order… everything was sorted out. Please report what really transpired, not somebody’s views,” he added.

Goje reiterated his position firmly, stressing once more, “We didn’t fight yesterday. It was not a fight.”

In his response, Senate President Akpabio welcomed the clarification and echoed the call for accurate reporting.

“I hope they will hear that there is no fight in the Senate and that we are all one,” he said, reinforcing that the chamber remains united.

The clarification came barely 24 hours after the chamber briefly slipped into disorder over the procedural disagreement. Both lawmakers have now affirmed publicly that there was no fight and that the incident was purely procedural.

culled from punch