The Senate on Thursday disowned a warrant of arrest issued against Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, by its Public Accounts Committee, insisting the action was beyond its legal powers.
The upper chamber also distanced itself from remarks allegedly made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, who was reported to have described the NNPC as a “bunch of criminals and thieves” during a committee session on Wednesday.
The issue was raised during plenary following a point of order by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who cited Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules.
Bamidele argued that under Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, only the Senate President has the authority to issue warrants compelling witnesses to appear before the Senate or its committees.
He further stressed that no committee is empowered to issue or enforce arrest warrants without the approval of the Senate President, calling for strict adherence to due process.
After deliberation, lawmakers agreed that the warrant issued by the Public Accounts Committee should be disregarded, stating that the committee acted outside its mandate.
The Senate also clarified that comments attributed to Oshiomhole do not reflect its official position, findings or resolutions.
Lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to fair hearing, due process, institutional neutrality and the presumption of innocence, noting that only courts of competent jurisdiction can determine criminal liability.
They also urged committees and members to exercise restraint in public statements, warning against comments that could prejudice ongoing investigations.
The chamber directed all committees to operate strictly within constitutional provisions, the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, and Senate Standing Orders in carrying out oversight duties.
Contributing to the debate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the Public Accounts Committee had overstepped its authority, noting that only the Senate President can issue warrants.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also stressed the need for the legislature to always act within the limits of the law, while Minority Leader Abba Moro cautioned lawmakers against making statements that could be seen as attacks on individuals under investigation.
