Last week, Senator Ken Nnamani informed the Senate plenary that detained Senator Iyiola Omisore (Osun State) actively participated in the screening of an Osun State nominee, Mr. Samuel Idowu, to the Federal Character Commission.

Senator Omisore, detained at the Agodi Prsions over his alleged role in the murder of Chief Bola Ige, was said to have participated in the screening committee’s proceedings (chaired by Nnamani) through a telephone call.  This shocking revelation was received with mixed feelings. While some Senators queried its appropriateness, others called for the adoption of the report and consequent confirmation of the nominee.  The Senate President however rejected the call for the removal of Omisore’s name from the report, thus admitting Senator Nnamani’s explanation that Omisore is still a senator.

This development is indeed worrisome; especially when its far-reaching implications are put in perspective.  It has thus raised a number of pertinent questions: can an alleged offender facing trial continue to hold a public office?  What is the status of Omisore at the Senate in view of a valid ruling of the trial court that he has a case to answer?  Can he validly participate in Senate proceedings?  What would be the effect (of such participation) on the proceedings in question?

No doubt, this shocking revelation and the handling of the issue by the Senate President fell short of the people’s expectations.  The Senate needs to live up to expectation as a portent and independent institution of democracy, with its integrity as true representatives of the people intact.  It should not be seen to be succumbing in any way to the forces at play in the Omisore’s trial.

Constitutional Rights Project (CRP) is of the view that the Senate should excuse Omisore from its proceedings and deliberations, until such a time that he would have cleared himself from all criminal allegations in the on-going trial for the murder of former Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige.  To do otherwise will amount to discrediting the institution of the Senate and a disservice to our hard-earned democracy.

CRP therefore calls on the Senate to revisit the report of the proceedings in question and expunge references to the detained Senator therefrom to avert any future controversy bordering on defect of the screening process. Again, the embattled Senator should be excused from the deliberations of the Senate to enable him face his trial and establish his innocence.  The Senate is expected to assert its independence even in the face of “untold pressures from unexpected quarters”.