Senate Moves To Issue Arrest Warrants For Agencies Ignoring Summons
The Senate has announced its plan to issue arrest warrants against several government agencies for repeatedly failing to comply with lawmakers’ summonses. Among the agencies set to be summoned by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), are the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.
Other agencies on the list include the Federal Ministry of Works, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Sally Best Properties Limited, and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Senator Imasuen informed the Senate of his intention to issue arrest warrants for the agencies that have consistently refused to attend hearings. Citing Order 42 from the Senate Rule Book, he stated, “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.”
He then sought the Senate President’s permission, adding, “I needed to inform the House and the Senate President that, due to the consistent refusal of some officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to attend our hearings, I am going to issue a warrant of arrest to compel these errant officers to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in response, sustained Imasuen’s request. Akpabio remarked, “Senator Neda Imasuen came under Order 42 to inform the hallowed chambers of some inconsistencies in the attendance of certain heads of MDAs at Committee on Public Petitions hearings. He has informed us that he intends to exercise the committee’s powers to issue the necessary warrants to compel their appearance. Your point of order is sustained.”
This decision marks a significant step by the Senate to ensure compliance from government agencies and public bodies with its investigative and oversight responsibilities.
