Senator Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central, has emphasized that there was no conflict between him and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s boisterous session, describing the episode as a standard parliamentary procedure.
Goje made the clarification during Wednesday’s plenary, a day after he challenged Akpabio over what he called an “unparliamentary act” during proceedings.
The senator, who had raised a point of order citing procedural regulations, said his actions were misconstrued by portions 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 rectify the narrative, adding that the exchange had been overstated.
“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 reply, Senate President Akpabio welcomed the explanation and supported the urge 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 momentarily slipped into disarray over the procedural issue. Both lawmakers have now declared publicly that there was no fight and that the situation was simply procedural.
