The Senate Has The Authority’ — Oshiomhole Makes Explosive Statement On Arrest Warrants

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the Senate’s constitutional authority to issue arrest warrants, saying the power can be exercised against individuals who refuse to cooperate with legislative investigations.

Oshiomhole made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on TVC News’ Beyond the Headline, where he explained that the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities are backed by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the former Edo State governor, Senate committees are constitutionally empowered to investigate matters of public interest, conduct oversight of government agencies and submit their findings for legislative action.

He noted that where individuals fail to honour invitations or decline to provide information relevant to an investigation, the Senate has the authority to compel compliance, including through the issuance of arrest warrants.

“The 1999 Constitution empowers the Senate to carry out oversight functions through its committees, which investigate issues and submit reports after completing their work,” Oshiomhole said.

He added, “Where necessary, we can invoke the powers vested in the Senate, through the Office of the Senate President, to issue a warrant of arrest against anyone who refuses to account for or explain matters relevant to transparency, accountability and good governance.”

The lawmaker stressed that the National Assembly possesses the constitutional powers required to compel both individuals and institutions to appear before its committees and provide relevant information during investigative proceedings.

Oshiomhole’s comments come amid growing public debate over allegations surrounding the purported disappearance of ₦210 trillion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), an issue that has intensified calls for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.