Senators descend on Oshiomhole over looting allegation, as ex Edo Gov begs

By Musa Baba Adamu

Amidst heavy criticism by his fellow senators over allegations that lawmakers of the 9th National Assembly looted items and equipment in their various offices, Adams Oshiomhole who represents Edo North on APC platform, recanted yesterday, claiming he was misquoted.

Recall that the ex Edo governor during a television programme, alleged that  Senators and House of Representatives members of the 9th National Assembly, carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.

“I can’t understand why and how a senate that sat on Sunday before we were inaugurated on the following Tuesday, and that level of vandalisation took place, and we have hundreds of security men and women in the National Assembly.

“In spite of the presence of security men and women, television sets, carpets and chairs were looted by the immediate past senators and House of Representatives members”, he had alleged.

But facing some of the senators who served in the 9th National Assembly, Oshiomhole denied accusing senators and members of the House of Representatives for the alleged looting.

Apparently under intense pressure, he apologised to senators who felt offended by his remarks during the television programme.

Trouble came for Oshiomhole during plenary on Tuesday when Senator Solomon Adeola (APC Ogun West), through point of order, drew attention of the senate to Oshiomhole’s wild allegation.

Senator Adeola in his submission said Oshiomhole breached his privilege by the wild allegation and consequently called on him to apologize to the senate for saying senators looted their offices.

“Mr President, my privilege and those of other senators who served in the 9th National Assembly, has been breached by senator Oshiomhole, who alleged that we looted items and equipment in our offices before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

“Senator Oshiomhole should be made to apologise to us”, he said.

Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP – Kebbi Central), supported Senator Adeola’s submission by also calling for an apology from Oshiomhole.

Damage control measures taken by the  Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) to drag the matter into closed door session failed as senators insisted that the matter must be deliberated upon in open plenary.

At this juncture, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on Oshiomhole to approach the chair, and after a brief talk, Akpabio called on Oshiomhole to state his own side of the matter.

Oshiomhole, in his submission, apologised for his comment, saying he defended the Senate during his television interview under reference, rather than indicting senators of the 9th Senate of looting their offices.

“Mr President, I did not at the said interview alleged that senators and members of the House of Representatives of the 9th National Assembly looted their offices, but I said I and many of other federal lawmakers in the 10th Assembly met empty and vandalised offices.

“However, if my remarks at the interview offended my colleagues who served in the 9th Senate, I apologise”, he said.