Senator Oshiomhole's Claims Against NNPC Draws Mixed Reactions

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has a problem with NNPC Ltd. The former labour leader, who started his career in a textile mill, now holds a Senate seat. From there, he called the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited "a bunch of criminals and thieves." This comment seems more about politics than facts.

It is important for us to think carefully about attacking the reputation of public institutions that we all rely on. We should avoid making strong claims without knowing all the facts involved. This looks like it is motivated by issues beyond just finding the truth.

It is good to see that the Senate has distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s comments. On Thursday, 11 June, the Senate, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, condemned his remarks as "an unwarranted attack on the character of public officers." The Senate also stated that these comments "do not represent the official position, resolution, finding, or determination of the Senate as an institution."

Other lawmakers, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, warned Oshiomhole against making statements that could harm the integrity of public institutions. Many of his colleagues want him to publicly take back his statement. This shows that even those in his party found his comments unacceptable.

To provide some context, the Senate committee had called Umar Ajiya, NNPC’s former Chief Financial Officer, to testify. During his testimony, he dismissed the outrageous claim of ₦210 trillion missing that some senators had mentioned. According to Ajiya, NNPC earned a total of ₦54.5 trillion from 2017 to 2023. So, how can ₦210 trillion be missing?

Ajiya explained that the figure is impossible and has no backing from any cash flow records. He pointed out that the supposed "missing" amount is almost four times the total revenue earned. He also stated that the company spent ₦2.9 billion, not ₦5.8 billion, to complete its registration with the CAC and FIRS. He challenged: call the EFCC and the NFIU to carry out a forensic investigation and arrest anyone guilty. This does not sound like someone hiding something.

Many Nigerians, including some lawmakers, seem to prefer catchy phrases over real discussion. Instead of carefully looking into audit queries, they often play to the crowd. The Senate plenary made it clear that no committee can issue or enforce an arrest warrant without the Senate President's approval. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said: "The power to issue a warrant affecting the liberty of a citizen is an extraordinary statutory power which must be exercised strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law." He also stated: "The constitutional doctrine of fair hearing and the presumption of innocence require that no person or institution be adjudged guilty, except by a court of competent jurisdiction after due process of law."

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno called the motion a necessary step to protect the legislature's credibility. He noted that it would be "contradictory for lawmakers to make laws for national governance while simultaneously violating those same laws." Senator Abba Moro added: "We should not make statements that seek to impugn the character of public officers or individuals in society."

It is easy to point fingers at others for wrongdoing, but we must also ensure we act properly. Some lawmakers criticizing NNPC have not shown good judgment by getting involved in fights with airline and airport staff, causing trouble for other passengers. This is not how a senior citizen or politician should act. There are also allegations of corruption against some of them that have not been settled in court, plus inappropriate comments made publicly, like mocking a childless couple because of a political disagreement. These actions reflect a pattern of morally questionable behavior.

In his defense during the Senate plenary, Oshiomhole said he spoke out due to provocation. "I acted under provocation because distinguished members were being attacked without any proof of the allegations being made," he said. "If it is the view of the Senate that I should apologise, I have no problem with that." He insisted he was just defending the integrity of the Senate and its members.

But his colleagues were not convinced. Senator Adamu Aliero, a former Kebbi State governor, called Oshiomhole's statement "reckless" and noted that it could hurt Nigeria’s image to investors. He said: "The NNPC is the cash cow of this country. Such reckless statements could damage Nigeria’s investment image internationally." This is the key issue. Senator Aliero is spot on.

Beyond public anger, there is a more serious matter at hand. Ajiya warned that unverified claims can harm not just individuals but the whole country. He said that false information can cause real damage. International rating agencies use public data to evaluate countries. When incorrect figures circulate without proof, it can impact opinions and even affect funding decisions. He recalled how a Nigerian once sent a petition to the Chinese government, which delayed a $2.5 billion loan for the AKK gas pipeline project. That project is still not finished due to this kind of behavior.

NNPC Ltd is getting ready for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and plans to list on major international exchanges like New York and London. As the company prepares for the IPO, foreign investors will look closely at its records and the media and political environment around it. A word to the wise: Senator Oshiomhole should remember that comments made will linger long after the cameras are off. That could bring serious consequences if the comments turn out to be false. Our children will live with the results of our actions today. Nigeria’s future depends on NNPCL, and the senator from Edo North should keep in mind that this oil company is the cash cow of our nation. Those who want to harm the cow should not be surprised when there is no milk left for their children.