The Nigerian Senate on Thursday took a decisive step by issuing a warrant of arrest against the management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a prominent construction company.
This action was prompted by the company's repeated failure to honor invitations from the Senate Committee on Works. The resolution to issue the warrant followed a motion raised by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, who expressed concern over Julius Berger's persistent disregard for the Senate's summons.
The Senate's decision signifies the gravity of the situation, as Julius Berger has been involved in numerous contracts across Nigeria, many of which have reportedly been abandoned or are significantly delayed. Senator Ngwu highlighted the need for an investigation into these failed projects, emphasizing that the company appeared to be taking the Senate for granted.
He stated, "If a committee summons any person or entity to come for a committee hearing and that entity does not send a representative or do not appear in any way, the normal thing is to report to the presiding officer and then warrants will be issued."
The motion received support from other senators, including Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi Central, who pointed out that the Senate President is empowered by the Constitution and Senate Rules to compel appearances through a warrant of arrest. Despite some dissenting opinions, such as that of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed the decision by citing relevant sections of the Constitution and Senate rules.
The warrant specifically targets Dr. Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who has persistently refused to appear before the Senate Committee on Works.
The committee had sought explanations regarding project abandonment and the alarming variation of a contract from N54 billion to N195 billion. The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, along with co-sponsors Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Mpigi Barinada, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in public projects.
The Senate's move is part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing road infrastructure development in Nigeria. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps in tackling these challenges.
During an investigative hearing, Mpigi warned that it was no longer business as usual for contractors to collect taxpayers' money without delivering on their commitments. He stated, "Nigerians deserve nothing short of the best in their road infrastructure deliverables and urged stakeholders to uphold their responsibilities in this regard."
The Senate's actions reflect a growing frustration with the slow pace of work on critical road projects, such as the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene and other sections ending at Benin, including the Odukpani-Itu Highway, the Eket Bypass, Port Harcourt – Ahoada, Ahoada – Kaiama, and Port Harcourt – Onne Junction Sections of the East-West Road. These projects have been plagued by delays and substandard work, leading to significant hardship for road users.
In response to the Senate's ultimatum, the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, expressed gratitude to the Senate leadership and the 10th National Assembly for their vigilance in ensuring value for money and quality delivery of road projects. He praised President Tinubu for prioritizing the completion of inherited ongoing projects and for the vision behind the initiative to construct four Legacy projects across the six Geo-Political Zones.
Umahi acknowledged the impediments to executing ongoing projects but assured that the President was addressing the situation. He noted, "It's very rare for a President to come on board, and he decided to ignore new projects and decided to take on all the inherited projects and do them at the same time. It's very rare." He emphasized the need for alternative funding sources, such as bonds or loans, to ensure the successful execution of infrastructure projects.
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