The Senate has ordered the arrest of Dr. Peer Lubasch, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for repeatedly failing to appear before its Committee on Works.
This resolution was reached during Thursday’s plenary, following a motion by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West) and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South-East).
Senator Ngwu disclosed that Julius Berger had ignored several invitations to explain the abandonment of the Odukpani-Itu Highway project and the sharp rise in its contract cost from ₦54 billion to ₦195 billion.
He noted that despite receiving ₦18 billion in public funds, the company failed to deliver on project milestones.
Citing Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, Ngwu reminded the Senate of its authority to summon entities managing public funds.
He also referenced the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which empowers the issuance of arrest warrants for contempt.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that the arrest warrant would include a specific date for Dr. Lubasch’s appearance before the committee.
The motion sparked mixed reactions among senators, with some supporting immediate action and others favouring resolution at the committee level.
Ultimately, the Senate opted to issue the warrant, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability and proper utilisation of public resources.
