The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against the management of Julius Berger, a major construction company, for repeatedly ignoring invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Works. This decision, reached on Thursday, reflects growing frustration with the company’s apparent disregard for legislative authority.
The motion was introduced by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), who expressed serious concern over Julius Berger’s refusal to cooperate. He pointed out that the company has a history of incomplete and failed contracts scattered across the country, emphasizing the need for an investigation into its operations.
According to Ngwu, the company’s actions amount to taking the Senate “for granted,” an attitude he described as unacceptable. He reminded the chamber of its power to compel attendance, noting:
“If a committee summons any person or entity to a hearing and that entity fails to send a representative or appear, the standard procedure is to report to the presiding officer, who is then authorized to issue a warrant of arrest.”
Ngwu called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to take decisive action to ensure Julius Berger complies with the legislative summons.
Senators Push for Enforcement of Authority
The motion received widespread support, including from Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), who emphasized that the Senate President is empowered by the Constitution to enforce compliance. He argued that failure to act would undermine the Senate’s credibility.
“It is clear under the Constitution that the National Assembly has the authority to summon individuals or entities and compel their appearance when required. Ignoring such summons is not just a violation of legislative rules; it challenges the institution itself,” Ningi stated.
Despite some reservations from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senate President Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s authority to issue a warrant of arrest. He cited relevant constitutional provisions and Senate rules, making it clear that Julius Berger’s management must be held accountable.
Raising Questions About Accountability
Julius Berger’s repeated failure to engage with the Senate raises critical concerns about the company’s transparency and its commitment to accountability. As a leading player in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, such actions could be interpreted as a lack of respect for public institutions and the democratic process.
The Senate’s decision to issue a warrant of arrest is a significant step in asserting its authority and ensuring compliance. It sends a strong message that no entity, no matter how influential, is above the law. Moving forward, the public will be watching closely to see whether Julius Berger complies with the Senate’s demands or continues to challenge its authority.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public service delivery, especially for companies entrusted with critical infrastructure projects across the country.
