Senate Distances Itself from Oshiomhole’s Attack on NNPC, Rejects Kyari Arrest Warrant

The Senate on Thursday moved swiftly to distance itself from the arrest warrant reportedly issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, while also rejecting comments attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing the national oil company as a “bunch of criminals and thieves.”

The development comes amid growing controversy over proceedings of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which has been examining aspects of the NNPC’s financial records and operations.

In a clear attempt to separate the institution from the actions and statements made during the committee hearing, the upper legislative chamber emphasized that neither the arrest warrant nor Oshiomhole’s remarks represented the position of the Senate as a whole.

The Senate’s intervention followed widespread reactions to reports that the committee had issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest after he failed to appear before lawmakers. The move generated intense debate across political and industry circles, with critics questioning the propriety and implications of the action.
Even more contentious were remarks reportedly made by Oshiomhole during the hearing, in which he allegedly described the NNPC as a “bunch of criminals and thieves,” comments that drew criticism from stakeholders who argued that such sweeping allegations unfairly maligned the institution and its workforce.

By publicly dissociating itself from the statements, the Senate signaled its determination to preserve institutional neutrality and avoid prejudging individuals or organizations before the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Observers say the Senate’s position underscores the distinction between the views expressed by individual lawmakers or committees and the official stance of the National Assembly.

The move is also seen as an effort to protect the integrity of the investigative process by ensuring that allegations are subjected to due process rather than being treated as established facts.
Industry stakeholders have argued that while accountability and transparency in the management of public resources remain essential, public officials must exercise caution in their choice of words, particularly when dealing with institutions critical to Nigeria’s economy.

The NNPC, which remains central to the country’s oil and gas industry, has in recent years undergone significant reforms aimed at improving governance, transparency, and commercial efficiency.

With the Senate now distancing itself from both the arrest warrant and the controversial remarks, attention is expected to shift back to the substantive issues under investigation as lawmakers continue their oversight responsibilities.