The Senate has distanced itself from Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s remarks describing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” claiming that they did not reflect the Red Chamber’s position.
The upper legislative body further announced that no Senate committee has the jurisdiction to issue, authorize, or execute an arrest warrant except in strict accordance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with the explicit permission of the Senate president.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, sponsored a motion at plenary that resulted in the resolutions.
The clarification came just 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly suggested issuing an arrest warrant for Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, for allegedly failing to honor the committee’s invitations.
Bamidele warned that any attempt by a Senate committee to issue or execute an arrest warrant without the Senate president’s authorization might be considered an unconstitutional exercise of power.
He said, “The power to issue a warrant affecting the liberty of a citizen is an extraordinary statutory power that must be exercised strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law.”
“The constitutional doctrine of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence require that no person or institution be adjudged guilty except by a court of competent jurisdiction after due process of law.”
He issued a warning that such statements could be interpreted by the public as the official position of the Senate and undermine confidence in the impartiality of ongoing oversight proceedings.
“Such statements, if left unclarified, may be misconstrued by the public as representing the official position of the Senate and may undermine confidence in the impartiality and objectivity of ongoing legislative oversight proceedings.”
The Senate then passed a resolution formally dissociating itself from the statements and stating that they do not represent the higher chamber’s findings, opinions, resolutions, or official positions.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin strongly supported the move, stating it as a constitutional responsibility of the Senate leader.
Reading from Senate norms and constitutional laws, Barau emphasized that committees are subordinate organs of the Senate and can only provide recommendations rather than exercising powers reserved for the chamber.
“The committee overstepped its bounds, and he has done the right thing by drawing attention to it.”
He contended that the Senate must always follow both its rules and the Constitution.
“We need to do things in line with our rules and with the law of the land.”
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno regarded the motion as a vital measure to ensure the legislature’s integrity.
According to him, it would be illogical for lawmakers to pass laws for national governance while also breaking such laws.
“The Senate, being the highest law-making body of the country, should not only be above board but should be seen manifestly to be above board.”
He described the move as a wake-up call and a warning for committees to scrupulously adhere to constitutional requirements and Senate procedures.
Senator Abba Moro highlighted the necessity of maintaining decorum and avoiding remarks that could harm reputations.
“We should not make statements that seek to impugn the character of public officers or individuals in society.”
Moro urged Nigerians to constantly follow Senate proceedings, warning that irresponsible behavior might damage public trust in the institution.
Former Kebbi State Governor and Senator Adamu Aliero was among the most outspoken critics of Oshiomhole’s views.
He called the statement “reckless” and warned that it could harm Nigeria’s foreign investment image.
“The NNPC is the cash cow of this country. Such reckless statements send wrong signals to outsiders and can jeopardize foreign direct investment.”
Aliero encouraged the Senate to reject the remarks and distance itself from them in order to defend both NNPCL’s and the Senate’s image.
Former Abia State Governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu praised NNPCL’s strategic importance to the Nigerian economy.
He requested Oshiomhole officially retract his statement.
“It is not good for any committee or individual to criminalize a big company like NNPC.”
Kalu added, “Our future lies in this country. We have no other country than Nigeria.”
The former Edo State governor responded by defending his comments, claiming they were made in response to NNPCL executives’ attacks on lawmakers.
“I acted under provocation because distinguished members were being attacked without any proof of the allegations being made. We are knowledgeable of the rules and not ignorant of them,” he said.
“If it is the view of the Senate that I should apologize, I have no problem with that.”
Oshiomhole claimed he had no intention of bringing the Senate into contempt and was merely protecting the institution and its members.
“Rather than provide answers, we were told that senators do not have a monopoly on patriotism and were accused of recommending their children for employment in NNPC. The lawmakers were denigrated, and I reacted in defense of the Senate,” the lawmaker said.
He also stated that he was surprised to be singled out in the controversy.
“I was not the mover of the motion seeking the issuance of a warrant of arrest, and I do not understand why my name was singled out. The Senate Leader referred to my reaction and not to the issues that prompted it.”
The senator also noted that the Senate had previously debated claims contained in the Auditor-General’s report regarding an unexplained N210tn.
“We sat here and took a decision regarding the alleged missing N210 trillion. We were informed that Mele Kyari refused to appear before the committee.
“What brought us here in the first place was the allegation that NNPC’s approved auditors could not account for the funds, according to the Auditor-General’s report,” the Edo North senator told lawmakers.
His words were cut short when the Senate chief whip raised a point of order, requesting that he limit his comments to the subject at hand.
The involvement created a momentary ruckus until Senate President Godswill Akpabio restored order.
Akpabio reminded senators that the motion under consideration focused solely on Oshiomhole’s alleged unparliamentary utterances and the issuance of a claimed arrest warrant without due process.
