The Senate on Thursday dissociated itself from the warrant of arrest reportedly issued against a former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, by its Committee on Public Accounts.
The upper legislative chamber also distanced itself from comments attributed to the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday.
The Senate said the remarks did not represent its official position, resolution, opinion, finding or determination.
The clarification followed resolutions adopted during plenary on Thursday after a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
The chamber declared that no Senate committee has the authority to issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest except in strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and with the express approval of the President of the Senate.
The resolutions came barely 24 hours after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly considered and recommended the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Kyari over allegations that he failed to honour invitations extended to him by the committee.
During deliberations on the motion, lawmakers condemned the comments attributed to Oshiomhole, describing them as an unwarranted attack on the character of public officers.
The Senate maintained that such remarks were personal opinions and should not be interpreted as the position of the institution.
Several senators, including the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, cautioned the Edo North senator against making statements capable of undermining the integrity of public institutions.
Some lawmakers also demanded that Oshiomhole publicly withdraw the comment.
The Senate urged lawmakers to remain guided by the Constitution and the chamber’s standing orders in carrying out their legislative duties.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to due process, legislative decorum and adherence to established legal procedures in the discharge of its oversight functions.
The upper chamber said its oversight role must be exercised within the law and in a manner that protects the integrity of public institutions and the legislature itself.
