N210tn Probe: Senate Disowns Kyari Arrest Warrant, Rebukes Oshiomhole

The Senate on Thursday formally distanced itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and clarified that a reported arrest warrant against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari, did not have the backing of the upper legislative chamber.

The clarification followed a motion moved during plenary by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who stressed that no Senate committee possesses the authority to independently issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest without complying with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and obtaining the approval of the Senate President.

The development comes after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly recommended the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Kyari over his alleged failure to honour invitations concerning audit queries linked to NNPCL’s finances between 2017 and 2023.

Bamidele argued that powers affecting the liberty of citizens must be exercised strictly within the confines of the law and warned against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the Senate’s oversight functions.

The Senate also dissociated itself from Oshiomhole’s description of NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” insisting that the comments represented his personal opinion and not the official position of the Red Chamber.

Several lawmakers supported the motion, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who maintained that Senate committees are subordinate to the chamber and can only make recommendations rather than exercise powers reserved for the Senate as a whole.

Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Abba Moro, Adamu Aliero and Orji Uzor Kalu also urged adherence to due process and cautioned against statements that could damage public institutions or Nigeria’s investment reputation.

Responding, Oshiomhole defended his remarks, claiming they were made under provocation following comments directed at lawmakers by NNPCL officials. He, however, stated that he had no intention of bringing the Senate into disrepute and would apologise if the chamber deemed it necessary.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that Kyari has informed the Senate he is currently outside the country receiving medical treatment, a claim that surfaced following the controversy surrounding the committee’s recommendation.