The lawmaker representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole has expressed his apologies to the Senate regarding the allegations of vandalism made against his fellow lawmakers.
During his appearance on the television programme “Politics Today” on Channels TV, Oshiomhole claimed that members of the 9th National Assembly took away various items, including rugs, from their offices.
He stated that he and the majority of federal legislators in the 10th National Assembly personally funded the renovation of their offices.
“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 on the wall, which had to be fixed by serving lawmakers from their pockets,” he said.
But on Tuesday, Senator Adeola Solomon made a resolution in the plenary calling for Oshiomhole to apologise.
Adeola said, “The matter arising has to do with one of our colleagues that granted a television interview concerning the 9th Senate, which I was a member.
“On this said programme, the senator told the whole world that we looted our offices and that chairs, tables television sets and other equipment were carted away by the senators.
“I feel very strongly about this and I feel my privileges have been bridged. I am one of the senators that served in the 9th Senate. This is a very serious matter, he was addressing Nigerians about this Senate.”
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP – Kebbi Central) expressed his support for Adeola’s statement, asserting that Oshiomhole should issue an apology.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, proposed that the Senate convene an executive session to discuss the “sensitive” matter after it was revealed.
However, when the motion to enter a closed-door session was put to a voice vote, Senators voted against it, indicating their preference to discuss the matter in a public session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio requested Oshiomhole to approach the chair. Following a brief conversation with Oshiomhole, Akpabio requested that Oshiomhole provide his perspective on the matter.
In his statement, Oshiomhole expressed regret for his remark, claiming that during the television appearance in question, he had defended the Senate rather than accusing members of the 9th Senate of robbing their offices.
Oshiomole said, “I didn’t address social media; I spoke with a respected TV station. The question was put to me by the TV host as to what justified the appropriation of N70bn for the comfort of the National Assembly members.
“The allegation was made by the TV host, at no time have I ever said the senators looted their offices.
“Having listened to my explanation, that was not the intention and that was not my statement and to those who think I have offended them, I apologise because I cannot leave my home and go to the media to abuse anybody.”
