Senate Panel Clears Dismissed Petitions, Continues Pension Probe
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has defended its decision to dismiss several petitions, insisting that its actions were guided strictly by legal principles, judicial precedents, and verified evidence.
Chairman of the committee, Neda Imasuen, stated after a public hearing in Abuja that the Nigerian Senate cannot function as an appellate court or overturn valid court rulings under the guise of legislative intervention. He noted that many petitions failed due to a lack of legal substance and incomplete disclosure of facts, particularly where prior court judgments were not revealed.
Citing a case involving the Nigeria Customs Service, Imasuen explained that investigations confirmed the petitioner violated import regulations by failing to declare goods, and a Federal High Court had already ruled in favour of customs, ordering forfeiture. He emphasized that the Senate cannot revisit matters already decided by a competent court.
In another case involving Fidelity Bank, allegations of financial misconduct were dismissed after evidence showed that the petitioner had legitimately received and accessed a loan, with authorized withdrawals confirmed by records.
Despite dismissing several cases, the committee said it is continuing its investigation into a pension dispute involving retirees of the defunct Afribank and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The committee described the matter as sensitive, citing concerns over alleged missing pension funds and administrative lapses affecting retirees.
Imasuen disclosed that all parties involved have been given a two-week deadline to submit additional documents before the committee reaches a final decision. He assured that justice would be served where claims are backed by credible evidence, while warning against attempts to politicize the petition process.
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