The Senate Committee on Works has resolved to issue a warrant of arrest for Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, following his failure to respond to a summons regarding the use of funds allocated for the reconstruction of the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The motion for arrest was sponsored by Senators Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), and Mpigi Barinada (Rivers South-East) during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja.
According to the lawmakers, Julius Berger had failed to cooperate in providing a detailed breakdown of how funds for the critical road project were utilized.
Ngwu, who introduced the motion, expressed concern that despite receiving significant government funding, the construction giant had not adhered to delivery timelines.
He highlighted discrepancies in the performance of contractors involved in the project, questioning the company’s commitment to the timely completion of the highway.
“The Senate Works Committee has a constitutional responsibility to investigate the state of roads in Nigeria, and we cannot stand by while Julius Berger disregards the oversight process,” Ngwu said.
He further pointed to Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly authority to investigate individuals or organizations handling public funds.
The motion also referenced Section 6 of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, which empowers the Senate to issue arrest warrants for individuals who fail to comply with its proceedings.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio strongly supported the motion, stating that the Senate would not tolerate any further disregard for its authority.
He emphasized that Lubasch must appear before the relevant committee, and failure to do so would result in further actions in accordance with the constitution.
“The integrity of the legislature must be upheld. The MD of Julius Berger must comply with this summons, or the Senate will take necessary steps to enforce the law,” Akpabio said.
The Senate has now ordered Julius Berger’s managing director to appear before the committee.
If Lubasch continues to ignore the summons, the Senate will escalate the matter, ensuring respect for constitutional authority and the rule of law.