By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions has justified its decision to dismiss several petitions, while reaffirming its commitment to justice through ongoing investigations into unresolved matters.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, made this known shortly after the public hearing on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with the newsmen, stating that the committee’s actions were guided strictly by the law and available evidence.
He explained that the Senate, as the highest law-making body, must respect judicial decisions and cannot overturn court rulings, even when petitioners seek redress through legislative channels.
Imasuen noted that some petitioners fail to disclose critical information, including previous court judgments, thereby weakening their cases when scrutinized by the committee.
On the petition involving the Nigeria Customs Service, he said the complainant violated import regulations by failing to declare goods contained in a truck, adding that the agency acted lawfully.
He further revealed that the Federal High Court had already ruled in favour of Customs, granting forfeiture of the undeclared items, making it impossible for the Senate to intervene.
Similarly, the committee dismissed a financial dispute involving Fidelity Bank after evidence showed that the petitioner had indeed received and withdrawn the funds in question.
Imasuen said the petitioner admitted to taking a loan, which was duly credited to his account, and records confirmed that the withdrawals were authorised.
However, the committee is continuing its investigation into the pension dispute involving retirees of the defunct Afribank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with Imasuen expressing concern over missing pension funds and vowing to ensure accountability.
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He disclosed that parties involved have been given two weeks to provide additional documents, after which the committee will take a final decision on the matter.
The Senate committee assured Nigerians that while it remains open to petitions, only cases with merit and full disclosure will receive favourable consideration.
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