The Senate has clarified that it did not approve the warrant of arrest issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
The upper chamber also disassociated itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the committee’s hearing, in which he allegedly described the NNPC as a “bunch of criminals and thieves.”
The issue was raised during Thursday’s plenary after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cited the Senate Standing Rules to challenge the committee’s actions.
Bamidele reminded lawmakers that the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act gives only the Senate President the authority to issue a warrant compelling any individual to appear before the Senate or any of its committees.
He stressed that no committee has the legal power to issue or enforce an arrest warrant without the Senate President’s approval.
After deliberating on the matter, the Senate resolved that the arrest warrant issued by the Public Accounts Committee should be disregarded because the committee acted beyond its legal powers.
The Senate also stated that the comments attributed to Oshiomhole reflected his personal opinion and not the official position or decision of the Senate.
Lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to due process, fair hearing, neutrality and the presumption of innocence, noting that only courts have the authority to determine whether anyone is guilty of a criminal offence.
The chamber also directed senators and committees to avoid making public statements that could influence ongoing investigations or suggest that conclusions had already been reached.
All Senate committees were also instructed to strictly follow the Constitution, the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the Senate Standing Orders while carrying out investigations and oversight responsibilities.
Speaking during the debate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the Senate Leader’s position, saying the committee exceeded its authority by issuing the arrest warrant.
“I want to commend the Leader for performing his duty. Issuing warrants is what the Senate President should do. The committee overstepped its bounds. We should take this as a lesson,” he said.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also stressed that the National Assembly must always operate within the law and maintain public confidence in its constitutional duties.
“The Senate, being the highest lawmaking body in this country, should not only be seen to be above board, but should be seen manifestly to be above board in conducting its constitutional roles,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro advised lawmakers to avoid making comments that could damage the reputation of public officials, adding that Nigerians expect lawmakers to follow the rules.
“We should not make statements that seek to impugn the characters of public officers. Nigerians are watching us every step of the way. I will advise all our colleagues to play by the rules of the game,” he said.
Senator Adamu Aliero criticised Oshiomhole’s remarks about the NNPC, describing them as inappropriate and saying the Senate should distance itself from such comments because they could undermine both the national oil company and the Federal Government.
“I want to add that the statement made by Distinguished Senator Adams Oshiomhole, with due respect, is reckless. It undermines not only the integrity of NNPC but also the Federal Government,” he said.
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu urged Oshiomhole to withdraw the statement publicly, arguing that it was wrong to label the entire NNPC as criminal.
Responding after being allowed to speak by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Oshiomhole explained that his remarks were made during a heated exchange at the committee hearing.
According to him, a former NNPC finance official made comments that he considered insulting to senators, prompting his reaction.
“I thought it is settled in law, the other side must be heard. Before motions are raised, I should be properly briefed,” Oshiomhole said.
“The immediate past finance officer of NNPC was asked to speak to the report. But he made comments saying, ‘Nobody has the monopoly of patriotism. It is you senators who send your children to work in NNPC’.
“On my choice of words, I reacted under extreme provocation. I have a duty to the Nigerian nation first. I acted under provocation because distinguished senators were being attacked.
Oshiomhole admitted that his choice of words was influenced by the tense atmosphere but insisted he was defending the dignity of the Senate against what he believed were attacks on lawmakers.
“You gave us a job to do. May it not be said that I was there when this senate was abused. There are many responsible managers in the NNPC,” he added.
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