The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has ordered the arrest of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s managing director over the company’s failure to complete an abandoned road project.

The decision came after repeated summons and concerns raised over the project’s delays and poor execution, which have caused significant inconvenience to communities relying on the road.

Nigerian Senate Adopts Joint Motion at Plenary

During a Senate meeting on December 12, 2024, Senator Osita Ngwu led a motion, which was supported by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of the All Progressive Party, Cross River South, and Senator Mpigi Barinada of the People’s Democratic Party, Rivers South-East.

In his motion, Senator Ngwu brought to the Senate’s attention that Julius Berger Plc, Nigeria, has consistently refused to appear despite being summoned to discuss its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.

According to Senator Ngwu, this behavior is worrisome, especially considering the differences in how contractors performed on these projects.

He also mentioned that the company had set project goals that haven’t been met, even though they’ve been paid over N18 billion.

Senator Ngwu Rules That a Warrant of Arrest Should Be Given

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After expressing his disappointment with the project, Senator Ngwu explained to Senate President Godswill Akpabio why an arrest warrant should be issued.

He cited Section 6(1) of the Legislative Houses Act, which gives the Senate the authority to issue arrest warrants for individuals who are in contempt of its proceedings.

After his speech, the Senate ruled that the Senate President should sign the warrant and make Julius Berger’s managing director’s presence on the summons date mandatory.

Debates Sparks Amongst Senators on How the Matter Ruled

Joel Onowakpo Thomas/Facebook

Senator Ngwu’s decision to order the arrest of Julius Berger, MD, caused a debate among some other senators.

In their opinion, the matter should be resolved at the committee level rather than ordering an arrest warrant.

Adams Oshiomhole, Ahmad Lawan, and  Seriake Dickson were the senators against the motion. Senators Joel Onowakpo Thomas, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Abdul Ningi said the arrest warrant should be issued immediately.

However, despite the debate, the Senate President decided to issue the arrest of Julius Berger, MD. This was done to show the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in administering public funds.

The Senate President’s Speech in Regards to the Issuance of the Arrest of Julius Berger MD

Senator Akpabio mentioned that the decision made is in accordance with the constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution. He further said, “This Senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.

“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.

“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the legislature’s integrity.”

He also mentioned that the senate committee’s findings will be submitted once the managing director appears. If the managing director doesn’t comply, necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the constitution and rule of law are respected.

Who Is the Chairman of Julius Berger Nigeria?

Mutiu Sunmonu is the chairman of Julius Berger, Plc. He was appointed to the board on January 1, 2015, and became Chairman on April 1, 2016. However, it was recently announced that Goni Musa Sheikh will succeed Sunmonu as Chairman.

This will be effective from April 1, 2025. Sheikh has experience in oil and gas mining, and he is currently the executive vice chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited. He also serves on the boards of several other companies, including Julius Berger Investments Limited.