By Our Correspondent
The Northern Democratic Front (NDF) has strongly criticised recent comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), describing them as reckless, unsubstantiated and defamatory, while calling on the former Edo State governor to respect democratic institutions and established legislative procedures.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman, the group expressed concern over an interview in which Senator Oshiomhole allegedly made accusations against the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The NDF said although lawmakers have the right to raise legitimate concerns, such rights should not be used to spread what it described as falsehoods or to malign public officials without evidence.
According to the group, Senator Oshiomhole’s alleged description of NNPCL staff as thieves amounted to an irresponsible blanket criminalisation of employees of a national institution.
“If the Senator has evidence of wrongdoing, he should present it to the appropriate anti-graft agencies rather than resorting to media trial and mob psychology,” the statement said.
The group also questioned the arrest warrant reportedly issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, arguing that the action raised concerns over due process and the limits of parliamentary oversight.
The NDF maintained that such an action was particularly contentious given that Senator Oshiomhole is a member of the committee and not its chairman.
It further dismissed claims allegedly made by Oshiomhole that Senate President Akpabio was acting out of personal interest or was attempting to undermine him ahead of a future Senate Presidency contest.
The group described the allegations as baseless, insisting that Akpabio had consistently discharged his duties in line with Senate rules and procedures.
Addressing allegations that the Senate President secured employment for his daughter in the NNPCL, the NDF described the claim as false and malicious.
The group stated that none of Senator Akpabio’s daughters is employed by the NNPCL and challenged Senator Oshiomhole to provide evidence, including names, designations, or official records, to substantiate the allegation.
The NDF also alleged that Senator Oshiomhole harbours ambitions to become Senate President, noting that political ambition is legitimate but should be pursued through democratic engagement rather than personal attacks.
According to the group, recent criticisms directed at Senator Akpabio suggest what it described as a desperate attempt to attain leadership of the Senate through intimidation and blackmail.
It stressed that leadership positions in a democracy are earned through persuasion, competence and integrity, not through media campaigns or personal vilification.
The organisation called on Senator Oshiomhole to retract the alleged claim concerning Akpabio’s daughter, provide evidence for his allegations against NNPCL staff, and show respect for the Senate and its leadership while pursuing his political aspirations.
The NDF further urged relevant authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the arrest warrant against Mele Kyari, insisting that proper legal and parliamentary procedures must always be followed.
Reaffirming its commitment to truth, accountability and responsible political conduct, the group said it would continue to defend the integrity of national institutions and leaders who serve with honour.
