The Senate has reversed a controversial amendment to its Standing Orders that would have required senators-elect to take their oath of office before participating in the election of presiding officers in the next National Assembly.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion for rescission and recommittal sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary.
Lawmakers said the earlier amendment, introduced under Orders 2(2) and 3(1) of the Senate Standing Orders, could conflict with Section 52 of the 1999 Constitution and create constitutional and procedural complications.
The Senate explained that the reversal was necessary to ensure that its rules remain consistent with constitutional provisions, parliamentary traditions, and established legislative practice.
Under the now-rescinded amendment, the Clerk to the National Assembly would have been required to administer the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Membership to senators-elect immediately after roll call and verification of election certificates.
The amendment also stated that no senator-elect would be allowed to participate in Senate proceedings, including voting for the election of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, until after taking the oath of office.
With the latest decision, the upper chamber has restored the previous procedure, which allows senators-elect to participate in the election of presiding officers before being formally sworn in.
