Senate Orders Arrest of Julius Berger MD Over Abandoned Projects

On Thursday, December 12, the Senate directed its President, Godswill Akpabio, to issue a warrant of arrest to compel Dr. Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, to appear before the Senate Committee on Works on a date to be determined.

This resolution followed the adoption of a Point of Order raised by Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South-East) during plenary.

Senator Ngwu informed the Senate that Julius Berger had repeatedly failed to respond to invitations seeking clarification on issues related to project abandonment and the drastic increase in contract costs from N54bn to N195bn.

He also highlighted Julius Berger’s refusal to provide details of their involvement in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving over N18bn in public funds.

Ngwu raised concerns about discrepancies in the performance of contractors, particularly Julius Berger, who had not met their targets. He cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and summon individuals or organizations involved in managing public funds.

He also referenced the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which allows the Senate to issue arrest warrants for individuals who disregard its proceedings.

The senator pointed out that Julius Berger’s contract for the Odukpani-Itu Highway project had been terminated due to demobilization and refusal to accept contract review terms, despite initially agreeing to a contract value of N54bn and later requesting an increase to N195bn.

Senator Ngwu urged the Senate to exercise its constitutional powers to issue an arrest warrant for the Managing Director to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing.

The Senate agreed to this request, and Senate President Akpabio confirmed that the date for Dr. Lubasch’s appearance before the Committee on Works would be specified in the arrest warrant.