A budget defence session at the National Assembly turned tense on Wednesday as two senators engaged in a heated verbal exchange during deliberations on the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget proposal.
The session, attended by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, was briefly disrupted when Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North Central) and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) clashed over proceedings.
In a video from the meeting that has since circulated online, Nwaebonyi was seen raising his voice at Hanga. In response, Hanga cautioned him, saying, “Don’t shout at me,” as tempers flared.
The situation escalated when Nwaebonyi stated, “I can preside over this meeting,” prompting Hanga to reply, “No, I am also a presiding officer.”
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) intervened in an attempt to douse the tension, urging Hanga to remain calm, particularly as cameras were recording the session. Despite the appeal, Hanga maintained his stance, remarking that he secured significantly more votes in his election than his colleague.
The confrontation caused a brief interruption before order was restored and the budget defence continued.
