Senate Dismisses Oshiomhole’s Remark Against NNPC

Senate Dismisses Oshiomhole’s Remark Against NNPC

The Nigerian Senate is considering a motion aimed at stopping its committees from independently issuing arrest warrants and reinforcing due process in legislative investigations.

The move follows growing tension over recent actions by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The motion was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who argued that while the National Assembly has oversight powers, only the Senate President has the legal authority to approve warrants of arrest.

The proposal is based on constitutional provisions and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

The development comes after controversy surrounding comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who described the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in strong terms during an investigative session.

The Senate has now moved to distance itself from those remarks, saying they do not reflect its official position.

Lawmakers also stressed that investigations must respect fair hearing and the presumption of innocence, especially in ongoing inquiries involving former NNPC officials.

The motion is expected to guide how Senate committees conduct future oversight activities and handle enforcement procedures.