Just In: Senate Orders Julius Berger's Warrant For Investigation

The Nigerian Senate has issued an arrest warrant against the management of construction firm Julius Berger for repeatedly ignoring its invitations.

This decision followed a motion by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), who raised concerns about the company’s consistent absence at Senate Committee on Works hearings. He highlighted the urgency of investigating numerous uncompleted contracts attributed to Julius Berger across the country, emphasizing that the company’s actions displayed a disregard for the Senate’s authority.

Ngwu underscored the Senate’s constitutional power to summon individuals or entities for investigations, stating, “When any entity fails to honor a committee’s summons, it becomes imperative to escalate the matter to the presiding officer for necessary actions, including issuing a warrant.” He urged the Senate President to enforce the company’s appearance for inquiry.

Supporting this stance, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) reminded the Senate of its legislative authority to compel attendance through warrants. He noted that the Constitution and Senate rules empower the presiding officer to enforce compliance when entities disregard committee invitations. “The presiding officer holds the responsibility to mandate such appearances, particularly when the issue is brought before the chamber,” Ningi explained.

While Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed a differing viewpoint, Senate President Godswill Akpabio affirmed the legislative power to issue the warrant. Citing relevant sections of the Constitution and Senate procedures, Akpabio confirmed the directive for Julius Berger’s management to appear before the legislative body for investigation.