The lawmaker representing Edo north, Adams Oshiomhole, has apologized to the senate for the accusations of looting and vandalism made against his colleagues.
Oshiomhole had while featuring on Channels TV’s programme, Politics Today, alleged that members of the 9th National Assembly carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.
The former Edo state governor said he and most of the federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly used their personal money to put their offices in shape.
“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 alleged.
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 (PDP – Kebbi Central) supported Adeola saying that Oshiomhole should apologise.
Following the revelation, chief whip of the senate, Senator Ali Ndume, through a point of order moved that the senate should resolve into an executive session to deliberate on the “sensitive” matter.
However, when the motion to go into the closed-door session was put to a voice vote, senators opted that the matter be discussed in plenary by voting “nay”.
At this point, senate president Godswill Akpabio called on Oshiomhole to approach the chair. After a brief talk with Oshiomhole, 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.
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.”
