Godsent Ogbebor
Senate rejects arrest warrant against Kyari, disowns Oshiomhole’s comments on NNPC
The Senate has moved to distance itself from a warrant of arrest issued against former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, declaring that its public accounts committee acted outside its constitutional powers.
The upper chamber made the position known during plenary on Thursday after lawmakers reviewed the controversy surrounding the committee’s handling of recent oversight hearings into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised the issue under Orders 41 and 51, insisting that only the Senate President has the legal authority to authorise a warrant compelling witnesses to appear before the chamber or its committees.
Lawmakers subsequently agreed that the action attributed to the public accounts committee should be set aside, stressing that it did not reflect the Senate’s approved procedures or authority.
The Senate also rejected comments linked to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly described the NNPC as a “bunch of criminals and thieves” during a committee session, stating that the remarks do not represent the position of the chamber.
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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the committee had gone beyond its mandate, while Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno urged strict compliance with constitutional provisions in all legislative investigations.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro cautioned lawmakers against public statements that could prejudice ongoing probes or damage the reputation of public institutions under review.
Senator Adamu Aliero also criticised Oshiomhole’s comments, describing them as inappropriate and capable of undermining confidence in the national oil company.
Oshiomhole, responding during the session, said his remarks were made in the heat of exchanges at the committee hearing, explaining that he reacted after feeling provoked by statements made during proceedings.
The Senate, however, reaffirmed its commitment to due process, fair hearing and institutional discipline, directing all committees to operate strictly within the limits of the Constitution and its standing rules.
