Senators in session
The Senate has dissociated itself from remarks attributed to Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), describing Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “a bunch of criminals and thieves”.
The upper chamber clarified that the statement did not represent its official position, findings, resolutions or opinions.
The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary on Thursday.
Oshiomhole had, on Wednesday at a meeting of the Senate Public Account Committee with NNPCL, described the company as “a bunch of criminals and thieves”.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, had ordered the arrest of a former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, for refusing to appear before it over unaccounted N210 trillion from 2017 to 2023.
Presenting the motion, Bamidele argued that while Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution grant investigative and oversight powers to the National Assembly, the authority to issue warrants compelling the attendance of witnesses is vested in the presiding officer of the legislative chamber.
According to him, Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act confer the power to issue warrants exclusively on the Senate President in matters relating to Senate proceedings and committees.
Bamidele warned that any attempt by a senate committee to independently issue or execute a warrant of arrest without authorisation from the senate president could amount to an unlawful exercise of power.
“The power to issue a warrant affecting the liberty of a citizen is an extraordinary statutory power which must be exercised strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law,” he stated.
The senate leader further maintained that legislative investigations were not substitutes for criminal prosecution and that neither individuals nor institutions should be presumed guilty before the conclusion of investigations or judicial determination.
“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 said.
Bamidele argued that describing NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” was capable of conveying a conclusion of criminal culpability before the completion of any lawful investigation.
He warned 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.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, backed the motion, describing it as part of the constitutional responsibilities of the senate leader.
Barau stressed that committees were subordinate organs of the senate and could only make recommendations rather than independently exercising powers reserved for the chamber.
“The committee overstepped its bounds, and he (Senate Leader) has done the right thing by drawing attention to it,” Barau said.
Also, the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, described the motion as a necessary intervention to preserve the credibility of the legislature.
“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 added
Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, equally emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum and avoiding statements capable of damaging reputations.
“We should not make statements that seek to impugn the characters of public officers or individuals in the society,” Moro said.
However, while defending himself, Oshiomhole stated that his remarks were made in reaction to what he described as provocative conducts by officials appearing before the Public Accounts Committee.
He said that the committee was investigating audit reports indicating that NNPCL had not properly accounted for approximately ₦210 trillion, findings he said originated from auditors appointed by the company itself.
“I acted under provocation because distinguished senators were being attacked unjustly,” he explained.
Oshiomhole insisted that he was defending the integrity of the senate and denied any intention to embarrass the institution.
In his remarks, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said: “I must say that sometimes provocation can lead to unfortunate situations.
“If you understand the role of the NNPCL in our economy, you will appreciate how damaging such an impression could be.
“The corporation enters into important bilateral agreements on behalf of Nigeria and remains critical to the country’s economic interests.
“If the Nigerian senate is perceived as criminalising the institution, it could undermine confidence in Nigeria and affect international business relationships,” Akpabio said.(NAN)
