According to Sen. Ngwu, Julius Berger has failed to respond to multiple invitations to provide explanations for the project’s delays and cost escalations, despite receiving over ₦18 billion in public funds.
The Senate has issued a warrant for the arrest of Dr. Peer Lubasch, Managing Director (MD) of Julius Berger PLC, following the company’s repeated refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Works to address concerns over the delayed execution of the Itu-Odukpani Highway project.
The resolution, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, was prompted by a motion moved by Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South East).
The Itu-Odukpani highway, a critical infrastructure connecting Odukpani in Cross River State to Itu in Akwa Ibom State, plays a vital role in transportation and economic activities in the south-south region. According to Sen. Ngwu, Julius Berger has failed to respond to multiple invitations to provide explanations for the project’s delays and cost escalations, despite receiving over ₦18 billion in public funds.
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Ngwu highlighted that the contract cost for the highway had ballooned from an initial ₦54 billion to a staggering ₦195 billion, raising serious concerns about project management and accountability.
Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), voiced his support for the motion, emphasising that the Senate President is constitutionally and procedurally empowered to issue a warrant of arrest to ensure compliance with Senate directives.
“The committees, of course, derive their powers on the same standard rules, he said, adding: “The Constitution gives the National Assembly such powers. It is the presiding officer that compels, and therefore, when a matter of this nature is brought before a house, the committee now seeks the mandate of the entire Senate.”
Responding to the discussions, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s authority, citing relevant sections of the Constitution and Senate Rules to justify the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Julius Berger’s management, ensuring their appearance before the Senate.
According to him, the specific date for his compelled appearance will be outlined in the warrant, as stated by Senate President.
