Missing N210trn: Senate dissociates itself from warrant of arrest on Mele Kyari
Senate Distances Itself from Arrest Warrant Issued Against Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari
By Henry Umoru, Abuja
The Senate has clarified that it was not responsible for the arrest warrant issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, by its Public Accounts Committee.
The upper chamber emphasized that no Senate committee has the authority to issue, approve, or enforce an arrest warrant unless such action strictly complies with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and receives the approval of the Senate President.
The Senate also disassociated itself from remarks reportedly made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the committee’s proceedings, in which he allegedly referred to the NNPC as a “group of criminals and thieves.”
It will be recalled that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, had on Wednesday directed that Kyari be arrested after he failed to appear before the committee investigating an alleged N210 trillion that could not be properly accounted for between 2017 and 2023.
The directive was issued during an investigative hearing held in Abuja, where the committee expressed concern over Kyari’s absence from proceedings examining the alleged financial discrepancies.
The issue was brought before the Senate on Thursday by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who raised a point of order under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules.
Bamidele urged the Senate to reaffirm that, in line with Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, only the Senate President possesses the legal authority to issue warrants compelling individuals to appear before the Senate or any of its committees.
According to him, Senate committees cannot independently issue, authorize, or carry out arrest warrants without proper approval.
Responding to criticisms over his comments during the hearing, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) defended his choice of words. The former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress stated that his remarks were made in response to provocation and were intended to protect the integrity and reputation of the Senate.