Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly apologised to Senator Adams Oshiomhole during Thursday's plenary session, retracting his earlier description of Oshiomhole's remarks as 'unsenatorial' and confirming that the rift between them had been resolved.
Akpabio stated on the floor of the Senate: 'I will never refer to your comments as unsenatorial again, especially when you said, Bring the man dead or alive. The truce between us remains upheld.' He added that he holds Oshiomhole in high esteem and affirmed their reconciliation.
Origins of the 'Dead or Alive' Controversy
The dispute originated in June 2026, during hearings of the Senate Public Accounts Committee into alleged financial discrepancies exceeding ₦210 trillion in the audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, backed a motion to issue an arrest warrant against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, who had repeatedly failed to appear before the committee. In his argument, Oshiomhole declared that Kyari should be brought before the Senate 'dead or alive.'
This comment drew sharp criticism from both within and outside the National Assembly. The Senate subsequently distanced itself from the remark and nullified the arrest warrant, declaring both actions void.
Details of the NNPCL Investigation
The committee's probe focuses on approximately ₦210 trillion in unreconciled financial entries in NNPCL's audited accounts from 2017 to 2023. The Senate Public Accounts Committee clarified that this figure does not represent stolen or missing funds, but rather financial items requiring explanation. The breakdown includes about ₦107 trillion recorded as sundry receivables—funds owed to NNPCL by various banks and other entities—and approximately ₦103 trillion in accrued expenses, covering outstanding corporate liabilities and joint venture cash calls.
Kyari and members of his former management team were first summoned in March 2026 as part of the investigation. After his continued absence from committee hearings, lawmakers moved to issue an arrest warrant in June, triggering the controversy that led to Thursday's apology. The Senate's inquiry into the national oil company continues under the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.
Senate Takes Action on State Police
In related developments, Senate President Akpabio called on fellow senators to ensure full attendance to vote on the constitutional amendment for state police. The constitutional amendment to decentralise policing in Nigeria is one of the most consequential votes in the country's democratic history. Akpabio's call followed the transmission of the Constitution Alteration Bill by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly.
