Senate moves to issue arrest warrants for noncompliant agencies
The Senate has announced its decision to issue an arrest warrants for some agencies that have persistently refused to respond to lawmakers’ summonses.
Sources indicate that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), has cited specific agencies that are being called to account. These include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, among others.
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 on the list.
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During a plenary session on Wednesday, Senator Imasuen expressed his determination to pursue arrest warrants against these agencies for their continued noncompliance.
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.”
Responding to his Point of Order, the Senate President, GodWill Akpabio, sustained 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.”
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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