Senate Rejects Arrest Warrant Against Former NNPC Boss Kyari, Distances Self From Oshiomhole’s Comments
The Nigerian Senate has rejected the reported arrest warrant issued against 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 Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, who reportedly described the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves” during the committee’s hearing on Wednesday.
The Senate, in a resolution adopted during Thursday’s plenary, stated that the remarks and the reported warrant did not represent its official position, decision, opinion, or findings.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate clarified that no committee of the chamber has the authority to issue, approve, or execute an arrest warrant without strict compliance with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the express approval of the Senate President.
The development came a day after reports emerged that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts had recommended an arrest warrant against Kyari over alleged failure to honour invitations from the committee.
During plenary deliberations, lawmakers criticised the comments attributed to Oshiomhole, describing them as personal remarks that should not be linked to the position of the Senate.
The chamber maintained that statements made by individual lawmakers do not automatically represent the views of the institution.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro were among lawmakers who cautioned against statements capable of damaging the reputation of public institutions.
Some senators also called for Oshiomhole to withdraw the remarks publicly.
The Senate urged members to continue to operate within the provisions of the Constitution and the chamber’s standing rules while carrying out oversight responsibilities.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to due process, legislative discipline, and lawful procedures in conducting oversight activities.
