Senate threatens Julius Berger MD with arrest warrant for ‘ignoring invitations’

Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu west; Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River south, and Mpigi Barinada, of Rivers south-east, sponsored the motion for arrest on Thursday during the plenary in Abuja.

According to the senate, Lubasch was summoned to provide a breakdown of the utilisation of funds allocated for the reconstruction of the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.

In the motion, Ngwu said it was the duty of the senate works committee to investigate the state of roads in Nigeria, but Julius Berger had not been cooperative.

The lawmaker said despite receiving substantial funds, Julius Berger failed to meet delivery timelines and noted discrepancies in performance among contractors working on the project.

He emphasised that the national assembly has constitutional authority to investigate individuals or organisations handling public funds, as provided in Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 constitution.

Ngwu also cited Section 6 of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, which empowers the senate to issue arrest warrants for those who disregard its proceedings.

Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, said the senate will not tolerate the continued disregard for its authority.

“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution,” Akpabio said.

“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.

“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.”

Akpabio reiterated that any further failure to comply would prompt the senate to take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law.