The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, December 12, directed its President, Godswill Akpabio, to issue a warrant of arrest for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch.
This decision follows the company’s repeated failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Works to address concerns over the abandoned Odukpani-Itu Highway project and a sharp increase in contract costs from N54 billion to N195 billion.
According to Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), Julius Berger had received over N18 billion in public funds for the project but failed to meet its targets.
“Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has neglected and refused to honor invitations to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project,” he stated.
Highlighting discrepancies and invoking the Senate’s constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, Ngwu urged the legislative body to take firm action.
The Senate President confirmed that the warrant of arrest would outline a specific date for Dr. Peer Lubasch’s appearance.
The resolution highlights the Senate’s determination to hold contractors accountable and ensure the proper use of public funds to foster national development.
