The Senate has announced its decision to issue warrants of arrest for several government agencies that have repeatedly failed to honor lawmakers’ summonses. This decision was conveyed during a plenary session on Wednesday, led by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
Among the agencies targeted are the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Works, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Sally Best Properties Limited, and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation are also included.
The Chairman of the Senate panel, Neda Imasuen, said the red chamber through a resolution, gave him the go-ahead to force the affected officials of the agencies to the National Assembly during plenary on Wednesday.
Senator Imasuen informed his colleagues that the resolution to issue warrants was a necessary step, stating that their flagrant disobedience to the committee’s invitations was slowing down the panel’s activities.
Quoting Order 42 from the Senate Rule Book, he said, “By the indulgence of the Senate and the leave of the President of the Senate, a senator may make a personal explanation although there be no question before the Senate, but no controversial matter may be brought forward nor any debate arise upon the explanation. The terms of the proposed statement shall be submitted in due course to the President of the Senate. May I seek your permission, Mr. President?”
Explaining the need to issue a warrant of arrest on the agencies, he said, “I needed also to inform the House and the Senate President duly that because of the consistent refusal of some officers of some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to attend meetings when they are called to attend our hearings, that I am going to be issuing a warrant of arrest to prepare these errand officers to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. So, Mr. President, I will seek your indulgence in this matter to allow the committee to do as it is supposed to do in this regard. Thank you, Mr. President.”
READ ALSO: Oil Marketers Criticise NNPC for Selling Dangote Refinery Petrol Higher Than imported fuel
Responding to his Point of Order, Senate President GodWill Akpabio granted his request. Akpabio said, “Well, distinguished colleagues, Senator Neda Imasuen came under Order 42 just to inform the hallowed chambers that he had noticed some inconsistency in some heads of MDAs to appear before the Committee on Public Petitions whenever they are called upon and he wanted to inform us that he would proceed to utilise the powers of this committee to issue the necessary warrant to compel them to appear. You have informed us of your intention to do so. So, your point of order is sustained.”
He further added, “You already have the power as provided for by section 89 of the 1999 constitution. Please use it by issuing warrant of arrest against any head of agencies refusing to appear before the public petition committee.
Appearances of the invited people before the committee are very important for justice and fairness on issues raised against them in the petitions before the Senate through the Public Petitions Committee.”
The Labour Party chieftain, representing Edo South Senatorial District in the nation’s parliament, emphasized that the affected individuals had questions to answer based on petitions against their agencies and firms.
