Senators in the National Assembly have insisted on investigating Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a leading construction company, due to its numerous failed projects across the country.
Leading the motion for a warrant of arrest against the construction firm, the Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu West), during a plenary session, condemned Julius Berger’s persistent refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Works.
Ngwu urged the Senate to take decisive action by reporting to the presiding officer and issuing an arrest warrant, emphasizing that the company’s lack of urgency or attention to the investigation shows it takes the lawmakers for granted.
The Enugu lawmaker decried Julius Berger’s many failed projects, stressing that the situation has become worrisome and warrants a thorough investigation.
Beyond the abandoned projects, Ngwu also raised concerns over the alarming contract variation from ₦54 billion to ₦195 billion, describing it as a major red flag.
Ngwu called on the Senate President to take proactive measures to ensure Julius Berger appears before the committee, stating, “If a committee summons any person or entity to attend a hearing, and that entity neither sends a representative nor appears in any way, the standard procedure is to report to the presiding officer, after which warrants should be issued.”
His motion was co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC – Cross River South) and Barinada Mpigi (PDP – Rivers South East) and supported by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who reminded the Senate of its constitutional powers.
According to Ningi: “The committees derive their powers from the Constitution and the standard rules of the National Assembly. A committee chairman has the authority to compel, but it is the presiding officer who enforces it. Therefore, when a matter of this nature is brought before the house, the committee seeks the mandate of the entire Senate.”
Ningi further urged the Senate to use its constitutional powers to compel Julius Berger to appear for the investigation.
Speaking after the lawmakers’ debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned Julius Berger’s failure to comply with the Senate Committee’s summons, citing provisions in the Nigerian Constitution and Senate rules.
Akpabio announced the approval of a warrant of arrest for the management of Julius Berger, directing them to appear before the Senate on a date to be determined by the house.