Following the mild drama that unfolded on the floor of the Senate on Monday, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) attempted to speak after Senate President Godswill Akpabio had struck the gavel to close debate on a bill proposing life imprisonment for offenders convicted of defiling minors, a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Lanre Odubote, has called for greater respect for legislative procedures among lawmakers.

Odubote said strict observance of parliamentary rules and decorum remains vital to preserving the integrity of the National Assembly and sustaining public confidence in the legislative arm of government.

The session, which attracted wide public attention after clips circulated on social media, showed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan seeking recognition to speak after the presiding officer had closed debate on the matter.

The move prompted Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) to raise a point of order, urging adherence to Senate Standing Orders. Odubote, reacting to the development, emphasised that once the presiding officer strikes the gavel to conclude a debate, further contributions can only be made through a formal motion to reopen discussion. He noted that maintaining order and respecting the rules of engagement are fundamental to the credibility of parliamentary proceedings.

He, however, cautioned against personalising the incident, stressing that similar lapses have occurred in the past and reflect a broader need for continuous capacity-building within the legislature. According to him, “The National Assembly must take deliberate steps to strengthen its orientation and training programmes so that every lawmaker understands and observes procedural rules.”

While commending Senator Oshiomhole for restating the chamber’s rules and Senate President Akpabio for managing the situation with restraint, Odubote urged all lawmakers to always uphold discipline and decorum.

He also advised against framing the incident as a gender-based issue, noting that procedural compliance applies equally to all legislators, regardless of background or gender.

Analysts have since observed that the episode offers a broader lesson on the importance of institutional order in governance. As the Senate continues deliberations on critical national issues, stakeholders have called on lawmakers to prioritise procedural integrity, the foundation upon which meaningful lawmaking and democratic accountability rest.