Senator Adams Oshiomhole has defended his controversial remarks about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), insisting that the Senate remains a superior institution in matters of oversight and accountability.
According to TheCable on Friday, speaking amid growing reactions to comments he made during a Senate Public Accounts Committee hearing, Oshiomhole said no government agency, including the NNPCL, should be regarded as being above the National Assembly.
“If people think NNPCL is bigger than the institution of the Senate, I stand alone to say no,” the former Edo State governor declared.
The controversy arose during the committee’s ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the state-owned oil company. During the hearing, Oshiomhole described the NNPCL as a “house of thieves” and questioned the credibility of the organisation over issues relating to financial records and accountability.
His remarks sparked criticism from some lawmakers, prompting the Senate to officially distance itself from the comments. During plenary, the upper chamber clarified that Oshiomhole’s statements reflected his personal views and did not represent the official position or findings of the Senate.
Despite the backlash, Oshiomhole has maintained his stance, arguing that his comments were made in the course of the committee’s efforts to scrutinise the company’s financial operations. He stressed that the legislature must not allow any institution or public official to undermine its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee is currently examining financial records involving trillions of naira in receivables, expenditures and accounting entries recorded by NNPCL between 2017 and 2023.
NNPCL officials have defended the figures under review, explaining that many of the queried amounts are accounting entries rather than actual missing funds. Company representatives have also argued that the figures being questioned exceed the total revenue generated during the period under review.
Nevertheless, lawmakers have continued to demand additional documentation and explanations from the oil company. The probe previously led to the issuance of arrest warrants against some officials, although the warrants were later withdrawn.
The investigation has generated widespread public interest, with many Nigerians calling for greater transparency in the management of the nation’s oil resources. While some have applauded Oshiomhole’s insistence on accountability, others have accused the Senate of overstepping its bounds or politicising the inquiry.
Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress and ex-governor of Edo State, has long been known for his outspoken views on governance and public accountability. His latest comments highlight the growing tensions between the National Assembly and key government institutions over transparency in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee has indicated that its investigation into NNPCL’s financial activities will continue as lawmakers seek further clarification on the company’s records and operations.
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