Drama as Ebonyi, Kano Senators Clash During Umahi’s Budget Presentation

Drama as Ebonyi, Kano Senators Clash During Umahi’s Budget Presentation

The Nigerian Senate witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday during the defence of the 2026 budget proposal by the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister David Umahi.

What began as a routine joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works quickly descended into a heated verbal exchange between two senators: Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North (APC) and Rufai Hanga of Kano Central (NNPP).

The session, chaired by Senator Hanga in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the committee, had initially progressed smoothly. Minister Umahi presented details of the ministry’s budget estimates and responded to lawmakers’ questions.

However, tensions flared when Senator Nwaebonyi devoted much of his allotted time to praising Umahi, the immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, and urging colleagues to do the same. Senator Hanga interrupted, asking him to round off his remarks.

This intervention sparked outrage from Nwaebonyi, who accused Hanga of cutting him short while allowing other senators, such as Adams Oshiomhole, extended speaking time.

The exchange quickly escalated. Nwaebonyi insisted he could preside over the meeting, while Hanga retorted that he too was a presiding officer. At one point, Hanga emphasized his political legitimacy by declaring that he was elected with “ten times” the number of votes Nwaebonyi received.

The confrontation grew so intense that Senator Ali Ndume of Borno had to intervene, urging calm and reminding his colleagues of the cameras recording the proceedings.

This clash underscores the fragile balance of authority and decorum within Nigeria’s legislative chambers. While budget defence sessions are meant to scrutinize government spending and ensure accountability, they often become arenas for political rivalry and personal ego.

The Ebonyi-Kano altercation highlights how regional pride, political affiliations, and personal loyalties can overshadow the substantive issues at stake, such as infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility.

In the end, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater civility in parliamentary proceedings. Nigerians expect their lawmakers to focus on policy and governance rather than personal squabbles.

The drama may have provided a moment of spectacle, but it also raised serious questions about the maturity of legislative discourse in the country.