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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo State in the Senate, has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to refrain from making public remarks that suggest senators lack adequate knowledge of the Senate Standing Rules or the Nigerian Constitution.
Speaking during a media interview covered by AIT News, Oshiomhole emphasized that members of the Senate are fully aware of the constitutional and procedural framework guiding their legislative responsibilities. According to him, senators have consistently demonstrated their understanding of the rules by ensuring that parliamentary proceedings are conducted in accordance with established regulations.
He stated, “I have read everything that is in the Nigerian Constitution. And so I want to plead with you, do not publicly accuse senators of being ignorant of the rules. We are knowledgeable of the rules. We have done you proud by upholding those rules. Yesterday we read out the rules to explain to those appearing before us that they were not doing us a favour. I am not conducting an inquisition, but you gave us a job to do.”
Oshiomhole explained that senators had recently cited relevant provisions during a hearing to remind individuals appearing before the chamber that their participation was part of a constitutional process rather than a personal favour to lawmakers. He maintained that the Senate was merely carrying out duties assigned to it under the law.
The former Edo State governor also addressed criticism of his forceful exchanges with officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) during an investigation into an alleged discrepancy involving 210 trillion naira. Defending his conduct, he argued that his reaction was prompted by what he perceived as disrespectful treatment directed at members of the Senate.
According to Oshiomhole, lawmakers deserve respect while performing their oversight functions, and he felt compelled to respond firmly when fellow senators were insulted. He rejected suggestions that his approach was excessive, insisting that his response was necessary under the circumstances.
Commenting further on the incident, he said, “When somebody abuses my brother or sister senators, should I just give them ice cream? I wanted him to know that he does not have the monopoly on being vulgar.”
His remarks highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the Senate’s investigation and underscore his position that legislators must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without being undermined or portrayed as uninformed.
