The resolution of the Senate on the warrant of arrest against the MD of Julius Berger followed a motion moved to that effect by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West).
Senator Ngwu, in the motion co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South East), informed the Senate that Julius Berger PLC has persistently refused to appear before the Senate Committee on Works to provide explanations on project abandonment and alarming contract variations from N54 billion to N195 billion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio was directed to sign the warrant, mandating the attendance of the company’s chief executive on a date to be communicated.
The Senate stressed that the decision was made in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the legislature to summon individuals or entities for investigations.
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“This Senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of 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,” Senate President Akpabio stated.
The point of order, which was supported by the majority of 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. If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the Constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio added.
The decision followed intense deliberations on the growing trend of public officials and corporate entities disregarding Senate summons.
The date for the compulsory appearance of Julius Berger before the Senate Committee on Works, according to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, will be stated in the arrest warrant.
