Senate to probe Omo-Agege’s alleged conviction in U.S.

Against speculations, the Senate has expressed its intention not to sweep the allegations of forgery and perjury against its number two officer, Ovie Omo-Agege, but to investigate him.

At a media briefing in the National Assembly, Senate spokesman, Godiya Akwashiki, said the red chamber would however not commence a probe on its own without a petition from members of the public.

According to Akwashiki, if the allegation is raised or brought to the Senate, there is no way it would not be looked into because the integrity of the Senate is at stake.

He said: “The issue of deputy president of the Senate, just like any other person, I read in the news.

“Conventionally, the Senate relied on Order 15 of its standing rule which allows it to address matters that tended to breach its privilege. Order 15 of the Senate Standing Rule, gives any senator the right to raise a point of order on an issue that affects the Senate.”

A coalition of civil society groups had called for the probe of Omo-Agege over alleged forgery and felony in the United States of America (USA).

It called for Omo-Agege’s resignation and threatened to mobilise thousands of civil society leaders and youth groups to occupy the National Assembly in the event that the call was not heeded.

Meanwhile, president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has challenged the 69 standing committees to embark on vigorous oversight on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under their jurisdiction.

Lawan, in his welcome address to members from the Christmas break, said the oversight by the National Assembly is as important and critical as passing the budget itself.

“We expect the MDAs to be cooperative and forthcoming with necessary information whenever such are requested,” he said.