The Senate has formally stated that comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) do not reflect the position of the upper legislative chamber.
The clarification followed a motion presented during Thursday’s plenary by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who stressed that the remarks attributed to the senator were personal opinions and should not be interpreted as the official stance of the Senate.
The development comes after Oshiomhole, during a meeting of the Senate Public Accounts Committee with NNPCL officials on Wednesday, made strong criticisms of the company while discussions were ongoing over alleged financial discrepancies running into trillions of naira.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, had also directed that former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, be arrested for failing to appear before it in connection with inquiries into alleged unaccounted funds covering the period between 2017 and 2023.
While presenting the motion, Bamidele argued that although the National Assembly possesses constitutional oversight and investigative powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, the authority to issue warrants compelling attendance rests with the presiding officer of the legislative chamber.
He explained that provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act vest such powers in the Senate President regarding matters involving Senate proceedings and committee activities.
According to him, any attempt by a Senate committee to independently issue or enforce a warrant without the approval of the Senate President could amount to an abuse of statutory authority.
Bamidele further maintained that legislative investigations should not be mistaken for criminal trials and that neither individuals nor institutions should be declared guilty before the completion of investigations or judicial proceedings.
He stressed that the principles of fair hearing and presumption of innocence require that allegations be subjected to due legal process before conclusions are drawn.
The Senate leader expressed concern that statements portraying NNPCL as a criminal institution could create the impression that the Senate had already reached a verdict before the conclusion of its oversight responsibilities.
He warned that such comments could undermine public confidence in the objectivity and credibility of the investigative process.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau said Senate committees operate under the authority of the chamber and are expected to make recommendations rather than exercise powers reserved exclusively for the Senate.
Barau stated that the intervention was necessary to reaffirm procedural boundaries and legislative order.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno also backed the motion, describing it as important for preserving the integrity and credibility of the legislature.
According to him, lawmakers must uphold the laws they enact and ensure their actions remain consistent with established legal procedures.
Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro called for restraint in public comments, cautioning against statements capable of harming the reputations of individuals or public institutions before due process is completed.
Responding to concerns raised during the debate, Oshiomhole defended his comments, explaining that they were made in reaction to what he considered provocative conduct by officials who appeared before the committee.
He said the committee was examining audit reports indicating that approximately N210 trillion had not been adequately accounted for, adding that the reports originated from auditors engaged by the company itself.
According to him, his reaction was motivated by a desire to defend members of the committee whom he believed were being unfairly challenged during the proceedings.
Oshiomhole maintained that he had no intention of bringing the Senate into disrepute and insisted that his actions were aimed at protecting the institution’s integrity.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged that heated exchanges could sometimes lead to regrettable statements but stressed the importance of exercising caution when discussing strategic national institutions.
He noted that NNPCL plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy and international commercial engagements, warning that statements perceived as official condemnation by the Senate could negatively affect investor confidence and the country’s business relationships abroad.
The Senate ultimately reaffirmed its commitment to due process, fairness and impartial oversight, emphasising that ongoing investigations should be allowed to run their course without prejudicial statements or actions capable of influencing public perception before the facts are fully established.