The Senate on Thursday issued a warrant of arrest for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, for consistently refusing to appear before its Committee on Works.
The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South-East).
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Senator Ngwu accused Julius Berger of failing to honour multiple invitations to explain issues surrounding project abandonment and a sharp contract escalation from N54 billion to N195 billion.
“Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has neglected and refused to honour invitations to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds amounting to over N18 billion,” Ngwu said.
He further pointed to “discrepancies in performance among contractors” and criticized Julius Berger for failing to meet project targets.
Ngwu emphasized the constitutional powers of the National Assembly, referencing Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grant lawmakers the authority to investigate and summon individuals or organizations handling public funds. He also cited Section 6(1) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, empowering the Senate to issue arrest warrants for anyone in contempt of proceedings.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared that the date for Dr. Lubasch’s appearance before the Committee on Works would be specified in the arrest warrant.
The motion sparked debate among senators over the appropriate response to Julius Berger’s non-compliance. While Senators Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), and Joel Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta) supported the immediate issuance of the arrest warrant, others like Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), and Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) urged the Senate to resolve the matter at the committee level to avoid escalation.
Ultimately, the Senate resolved to proceed with the arrest warrant, highlighting its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
