Missing N210trn: Senate dissociates itself from warrant of arrest on Mele Kyari

By Henry Umoru, ABUJA

The Senate has formally distanced itself from the arrest warrant issued against Mallam Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, by its Committee on Public Accounts.

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The Senate resolution states that no committee may issue, authorise or execute a warrant unless it strictly follows the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and receives approval from the Senate President.

The chamber also clarified that it does not endorse statements attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who called the NNPC a “bunch of criminals and thieves” during the committee hearing.

Previously, the Senate Committee on Public Accounts ordered Kyari’s arrest on Wednesday for refusing to appear before it regarding the alleged N210 trillion missing from 2017 to 2023.

The warrant was issued in Abuja during an investigative hearing led by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of the Gombe North Senate Committee on Public Accounts.

The arrest order stemmed from Kyari’s absence at the committee’s session on the unaccounted N210 trillion.

On Thursday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) raised the issue on the Senate floor using a point of order based on Orders 41 and 51 of the standing rules.

In his statement, Bamidele urged the Senate to reaffirm that, under Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, the power to issue a warrant compelling a witness’s attendance before the Senate or any of its committees rests solely with the Senate President.

He maintained that no committee has the authority to independently issue, authorise or execute an arrest warrant.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who faced criticism for his language, defended his remarks. He said he used the words in response to provocation and to protect the Senate’s integrity.

Details later.

Vanguard News

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