By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi
The Nigerian Senate took a decisive action on two high-profile cases involving misconduct by public officials.
The lawmakers have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve ₦200 million in compensation for the Omhonria family, whose two-year-old son was killed by a stray bullet fired by an NDLEA officer during a drug raid in Delta State.
The Senate’s resolution follows the adoption of a report by the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which confirmed that NDLEA officers fired the fatal bullet.
The toddler’s baby brother, Eromonsele, was also critically injured and may suffer permanent eyesight damage.
While NDLEA has offered ₦25 million in compensation, Senator Neda Imasuen described the sum as “grossly insufficient.”
The Senate has demanded that President Tinubu approve the additional compensation and directed NDLEA to continue funding Eromonsele’s treatment, including potential overseas surgery.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole condemned the killing, emphasizing that “no amount of money can bring back a child.”
In a separate case, the Senate upheld the dismissal of Ms. Sandra Nimi Harry, a WAEC staff member with 31 years of service, over her involvement in a shameful exam malpractice scandal. Harry was found guilty of aiding fellow staffers in swapping exam answer sheets for absentee candidates.
The Senate rejected a proposal to convert Harry’s dismissal to retirement, emphasizing that her actions were a betrayal of every hardworking Nigerian student. Senator Garba Maidoki declared: “There must be consequences.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio added: “Let this be a warning, you don’t spend 30 years serving only to sabotage your institution at the finish line.”
However, after debating the two issues on the floor of the senate in Thursday, the Committee Chairman, Neda Imaseu briefed members of the Senate Press Corps on the matter.
