Nigerian Senate insists on appearance of Julius Berger MD before works committee panel

Nigerian Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant on Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch to appear before its Committee on Works to explain utilisation of funds appropriated for Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highways.

This is the result of adoption of a motion by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co- sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC- Cross -River) and
Senator Mpigi Barinada,(PDP- Rivers)

Senator Ngwu in the motion said Senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.

He said furtherance to the investigative hearings, the Julius Berger Nigerian PLC has neglected and refused to honor invitations to provide details of their role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds.

He said it was worrisome given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.

Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly, under section 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to conduct investigations on someone, any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.

He said the powers set out in section six of the legislative powers and privileges act, which empowers the Senate to issue warrants of arrest for persons in content of its proceedings.

Senate further ruled that President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger Managing Director to appear on a date to be communicated.

Akpabio said Senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the legislature to summon individuals or entities for investigations.

“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,” Akpabio said.

“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 said.