The day’s plenary was marked by mild tension as a senator staged a walkout on colleagues. Additionally, an arrest warrant was issued for the Managing Director of Julius Berger PLC over his refusal to honor senate invitations, while lawmakers also called for an immediate halt to building demolitions in Abuja.
Senate issues warrant of arrest on Julius Berger MD
The senate has issued a warrant for the arrest of Julius Berger PLC’s Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, over the company’s failure to appear before the committee on works to explain the stalled-Odukpani highway project. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during Thursday’s plenary, following a motion by Senate Minority Whip Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West).
According to Sen. Ngwu, Julius Berger has repeatedly ignored invitations to clarify its role in the project despite receiving over ₦18 billion in public funds. The senate also raised concerns over the significant cost variation of the contract, which increased from ₦54 billion to ₦195 billion. The refusal to engage with the senate committee and address issues of project delays and funding prompted the lawmakers to invoke their constitutional powers to compel the MD’s attendance.
The Senate President stated that the specific date for Dr. Lubasch’s compulsory appearance before the senate committee on works would be included in the arrest warrant.
Akpabio softpedals on Kingibe after senator walks out
The senate experienced a tense moment during Thursday’s plenary when Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) sought to raise a motion of urgent national importance regarding the demolition of an estate in Abuja. Despite her insistence on the urgency of the matter, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, declined her request, citing parliamentary rules that prevent deliberations on issues not listed on the day’s order paper.
Frustrated by the refusal, Sen. Kingibe argued for her right to speak but failed to convince Akpabio. In protest, she walked out of the chamber, a move that sparked quiet discussions among lawmakers and drew attention to the proceedings. Akpabio later remarked on the importance of lawmakers adhering to Senate protocols while also emphasising the significance of Kingibe’s representation for the FCT.
Upon her return, Akpabio allowed Kingibe to present her motion but requested that she first apologise to her colleagues for her earlier walkout. Initially refusing to do so, Kingibe faced a firm stance from Akpabio, who insisted on the apology as a precondition for proceeding. Eventually, Kingibe apologised to the chamber, expressing her expectations for fairness and equitable treatment in the Senate.
After tendering her apology, Sen. Kingibe presented her motion, urging the senate to direct the FCT Minister to halt the demolition of the estate in question. She also called for the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter, ensuring that stakeholders are held accountable and informed decisions are made.
READ ALSO: Akpabio softpedals on Kingibe after senator stages walk out
Senate summons Wike over Abuja demolitions
The Senate has ordered the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions of buildings and structures in the FCT, except those approved by a court order. This directive came after the Senate resolved to set an ad-hoc committee to investigate the demolitions, which have displaced residents and destroyed properties worth billions of naira. The committee will summon the FCT Minister for explanations and is expected to report its findings within a week.
The motion, moved by Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), highlighted the devastating impact of the demolitions and questioned their legality. Kingibe argued that the exercises were no longer aligned with due process, causing untold hardship to affected individuals.
While some senators, such as Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), argued that the minister should first be heard before any directive, Akpabio emphasised the need to prevent irreversible harm. Akpabio expressed concern over potential legal actions from aggrieved parties and subsequently ruled in favor of halting the demolitions.
Tinubu to present 2025 budget next Tuesday
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signalled his readiness to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, 17 December, 2024 by 10:30 a.m. This was made known by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary.
As required by the Constitution, Tinubu is expected to present the 2025 appropriation bill before the National Assembly.
Ahead of the budget presentation, Tinubu had on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly, the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) with a total spending of N47.9 trillion on expenditure framework and a new borrowing plan of N9.22 trillion which includes both domestic and foreign borrowings.
The Senate through its committee on Finance after two weeks of interactive sessions with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on revenue and expenditure projections made for them, approved the MTEF and transmitted it to the President for assent.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in the Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
