THE PUNCH
Some senators, particularly those who came from the ninth Assembly, have demanded an apology from their colleague, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North), over allegations of vandalism levelled against them.
Oshiomhole, at the Politics Today programme on Channels Television on Sunday, alleged that senators and House of Representatives members of the 9th National Assembly carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.
He said he and most of the federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly used their personal money to put their offices in shape.
Oshiomole said, “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.
“The former lawmakers left their offices in shambles with holes in the walls, which had to be fixed by serving lawmakers from their pockets.”
However, on Tuesday at the plenary, Senator Adeola Solomon (APC Ogun West), moved a motion demanding an apology from Oshiomhole.
He noted that the comment was an embarrassment to the lawmakers and that his privilege had been abused.
Solomon said, “My privilege has been abused. A senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria went on National TV and told the whole world that the lawmakers of the ninth Assembly, which I was a part of, looted equipment from their offices.
“We all know that there is no way that a senator or their aides can take a pin out of the National Assembly without being accounted for.
“Each of the items was checked and legally passed and those amounts are deducted from severance packages.”
“I hereby demand that the senator should apologise to the House or be made to face the Ethics and Privilege Committee.”
Adeola was seconded and supported by Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP Kebbi Central).
The issue is currently under debate
Details later…
