- Bamidele stressed that the power to issue a warrant affecting an individual’s liberty is governed by law
- He noted that every citizen is entitled to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence
- He emphasised the need for lawmakers to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions
The Senate has clarified that no committee of the upper legislative chamber has the authority to issue or enforce an arrest warrant without following due process and obtaining the approval of the Senate President.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the position was adopted during Thursday’s plenary following a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
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Lawmakers also distanced the Senate from remarks credited to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who had reportedly described the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in harsh terms during recent proceedings.
The clarification came shortly after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts reportedly recommended an arrest warrant against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over his failure to appear before the committee.
Presenting the motion, Bamidele stressed that the power to issue a warrant affecting an individual’s liberty is governed by law and must be exercised strictly in line with established legal procedures.
He noted that every citizen is entitled to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence, warning against actions or statements that could suggest guilt before due process is completed.
The Senate subsequently resolved that comments made by individual lawmakers should not be interpreted as the official position of the Red Chamber.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin supported the motion, maintaining that Senate committees are only empowered to make recommendations and cannot independently exercise powers reserved for the full chamber.
He emphasised the need for lawmakers to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and Senate rules in carrying out oversight responsibilities.
Several senators who contributed to the debate echoed similar concerns, urging committees to avoid actions that could exceed their statutory mandate or undermine the credibility of the legislature.
Senator Tahir Monguno described the motion as a timely reminder that lawmakers must always operate within the confines of the law, while Senator Abba Moro cautioned against statements capable of damaging reputations without due process.
Senator Adamu Aliero criticised comments directed at NNPCL, warning that such remarks could negatively affect Nigeria’s image and investor confidence.
Former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, also defended the strategic role of NNPCL in the nation’s economy and called for restraint in public comments concerning the company.
Responding to the concerns, Oshiomhole explained that his remarks were made while defending the Senate and its members against allegations from some NNPCL officials. He, however, indicated his willingness to apologise if the Senate deemed it necessary.
The former Edo State governor insisted that he had no intention of bringing the Senate into disrepute and maintained that his comments were provoked by statements directed at lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged members to remain focused on the issues before the chamber, stressing that the debate centred on due process and the limits of committee powers.
The development followed reports that Kyari had informed the Senate Committee on Public Accounts that he was currently outside the country receiving medical treatment and would cooperate with the investigation upon his return.
In a letter to the committee, the former NNPCL chief said his absence was due to health reasons and not an attempt to evade legislative scrutiny, adding that he had offered to respond to questions in writing pending his return to Nigeria.
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