By Princely Onyenwe
The Nigerian Senate has called for respect of rules and order of plenary by senators at the business of the day. The call also covers that discipline and decorum inline with the ethics of practice must be applied.
The warning came from the Senate President Godswill Akpabio before his Honourable colleagues when Senator Natasha Akpokiti was asked to obey the rules of the house and stand down her contribution to the motion already ruled following the hit of the gavel.
On October 21, 2025, Nigeria’s Senate passed a landmark bill amending the Criminal Code Act to impose life imprisonment without the option of fines for individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors.
Sponsored by Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Muhammad Adamu Aliero, the legislation strengthens existing child protection laws and addresses Nigeria’s high rates of child abuse.
The bill now awaits final review by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights before seeking presidential assent.
This decisive action reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its youth, the sponsors of the motion hinted.
Senator Natasha stood up to add her voice and contribute to the motion when the Senate President has already hit the gavel on the motion but was called to order by Senator Adams Ashiomole who brought to mind the Senate President to read the rule to her.
Senate President read the rule immediately Senator Adams was granted audience while Senator Natasha was still standing.
After the rule was cited , Senator Akpabio notified the house the position of rule and read it before the senators.
In addition , the Nigerian Senate had earlier urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to increase security personnel salaries amid economic hardship.
This moves came days after Coup Rumour rocked the Presidency, though it was denied.
The Nigerian Senate called for an upward review of the salaries of security personnel across the country, barely days after reports surfaced alleging a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu — an allegation the Federal Government has since dismissed as false.
In a statement, the upper chamber said its recommendation was prompted by the harsh economic realities facing the nation and the growing cost of living that has made life increasingly difficult for security operatives.
Lawmakers particularly emphasized the need to improve the welfare of soldiers and other frontline officers battling insecurity nationwide, stressing that their sacrifices deserve fair compensation and motivation.
This development comes amid widespread public concern over the morale of Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies, with many analysts linking welfare challenges to lapses in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent crime.
The Senate’s call is expected to put pressure on the Federal Government to prioritize a comprehensive review of pay structures and welfare packages for members of the military, police, and paramilitary organizations in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Senate approved life improvement for sexual offenses against minors in Nigeria at the plenary held Tuesday.
Similarly, Houses of Assembly across the states and Federal House of Representatives are expected to legislate in same manner to impose life sentence on abuse of minors.
Another important highlight is to embrace discipline to obey the orders and rules guiding legislation.
