Why we issued warrant for arrest of Julius Berger officials—Senate

The Senate on Thursday said it issued an arrest warrant against the management of Julius Berger construction company for repeatedly ignoring its summons.

The decision was made following a motion presented by Senator Osita Ngwu, who represents Enugu West, on Thursday.

He expressed concerns about the company’s consistent failure to attend Senate hearings held by the Committee on Works.

Senator Ngwu said that Julius Berger had several unfinished contracts scattered across the country and emphasized the need for an investigation into the matter.

He also criticized the company for disregarding the Senate’s authority.

“When a committee summons any individual or entity and they fail to appear, the next step is to report to the presiding officer, leading to the issuance of a warrant,” Ngwu explained.

He urged the Senate President to ensure that Julius Berger’s representatives appear for questioning.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, supported Ngwu’s position.

He pointed out that both the Senate President and the Senate Rules grant the power to issue a warrant of arrest to compel the appearance of those summoned.

Ningi further explained that the Senate, backed by the Constitution, holds the authority to enforce such measures.

“The National Assembly derives its powers from the Constitution, and it is the presiding officer’s responsibility to compel appearances,” he stated.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole disagreed with the proposed approach, but Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing relevant constitutional provisions, affirmed the decision to issue a warrant against Julius Berger’s management for their non-compliance with the Senate’s summons.