The representative for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has issued an apology to the Senate regarding the allegations of vandalism he made against his fellow lawmakers.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” program on Sunday, Oshiomhole had claimed that members of the 9th National Assembly had looted items from their offices, including rugs. However, he has now expressed remorse for making such allegations.
In his apology, Oshiomhole clarified that he and many other federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly personally funded the refurbishment and organization 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.
However, at the plenary on Tuesday, Senator Adeola Solomon moved a motion demanding an apology from Oshiomhole.
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 from Kebbi Central, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), supported Adeola’s call for an apology from Adams Oshiomhole.
After the revelation made by Oshiomhole, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, raised a point of order and proposed that the Senate should convene an executive session to discuss this “sensitive” matter privately.
However, when the suggestion to move into a closed-door session was put to a voice vote, the majority of Senators voted against it, opting to discuss the matter openly in the plenary.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio then invited Oshiomhole to come forward and speak. After a brief conversation with Oshiomhole, Akpabio asked him to present his side of the matter.
Oshiomhole used the opportunity to apologize for his comments, stating that during his television interview, he had intended to defend the Senate rather than accuse the senators of the 9th Senate of looting 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.”
