Dare Babalola
Tension flared on Wednesday during a budget defence session involving the Federal Ministry of Works as two lawmakers, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North Central) and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central), engaged in a heated exchange.
The confrontation occurred as the ministry, led by Works Minister David Umahi, appeared before lawmakers to present and defend its 2026 budget proposal.
In a video circulating online, Nwaebonyi was heard raising his voice at Hanga during proceedings. Hanga responded, “Don’t shout at me,” as the situation escalated.
Nwaebonyi then declared, “I can preside over this meeting,” a remark that drew a sharp response from Hanga, who said, “No, I am also a presiding officer.”
Borno South Senator Ali Ndume was seen in the footage attempting to calm tensions, urging Hanga to remain composed because cameras were present.
Despite the intervention, Hanga fired back, asserting that he secured ten times more votes in his election than Nwaebonyi.
The disagreement briefly disrupted the session before order was restored and deliberations continued.
