By James Itodo
The Senate has amended the Senate Standing Rules 2015, and approved a simple majority for the election of presiding officers.
The red chamber also retained a closed ballot system of voting for the election of the President of the Senate and the Deputy.
The amendment of the rules followed the consideration of a motion pursuant to Order 111 of the Senate Standing Rule, 2015.
The motion was sponsored by Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar of Kwara North and the Vice Chairman who is also the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North during plenary in Abuja.
The Rules and Business Committee had proposed two-third majority in its report.
Senator James Manager representing Delta South supported a two-third majority for the election of officers.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun Central, on his part, kicked against the adoption of a two-third majority.
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, however cautioned that an amendment in the direction of a two-third majority could be exploited to stall the inauguration and election of presiding officers.
The lawmakers after extensive deliberations therefore voted for simple majority.