The Nigerian Senate has authorized the issuance of a warrant compelling the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr Peer Lubasch , for persistently refusing to appear before its committee on Works .
The resolution of the Senate on the Warrant of Arrest against MD of Julius Berger, followed a motion moved to that effect by the Senate Minority Whip , Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West).
Senator Ngwu in the motion co – sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong ( APC Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP Rivers South East), informed the Senate that Julius Berger Plc Julius Berger has persistently refused to appear before the Senate Committee on Works for required explanations on projects abandonment and alarming contract variation from N54billion to N195billion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio was directed to sign the warrant, mandating the attendance of the company’s chief executive on a date to be communicated.
The Senate emphasized that the decision was made in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the legislature to summon individuals or entities for investigations.
“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,” Senate President Akpabio stated.
The point of Order which was supported by the majority of senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The Senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance. If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the Constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio added.
The decision followed intense deliberations on the growing trend of public officials and corporate entities disregarding Senate summons.
Date for compelling appearance of Julius Berger before the Senate Committee on Works according to the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio , will be stated in the arrest warrant .
Senators Abdul Ningi, Seriake Dickson, and Godswill Akpabio raised concerns over the growing issue of non-compliance with Senate summons by contractors and government officials.
Senator Abdul Ningi emphasized that committees derive their powers from the Constitution and the National Assembly’s rules, asserting that while committee chairpersons do not have the authority to compel attendance, it is the presiding officer who holds that power.
He highlighted the increasing challenges committees face in securing the attendance of senior officials, noting that many ministers and permanent secretaries send lower-level staff instead.
Ningi warned that if the Senate’s authority continues to be disregarded, the public will lose respect for the institution. He called for a broader reflection on the underlying causes of this non-compliance.
Senator Seriake Dickson supported Ningi’s concerns, but urged a measured approach, advocating for the Senate to follow established procedures. Dickson emphasized that committees already have the authority to issue warrants and compel attendance, stressing the need to protect the sanctity of the Senate and avoid elevating the issue unnecessarily.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that any disrespect toward a committee is recognized as a disrespect to the entire Senate.
Meanwhile, Senator Godswill Akpabio echoed the sentiments of both Ningi and Dickson, affirming that the Senate and its committees already possess the power to summon and compel attendance by anyone, including contractors and government officials. He suggested that there was no need for further discussion, and that the committees should simply take the necessary steps to enforce their authority.
The debate concluded with the Senate President agreeing with the points raised, noting that the procedures are clear, and that the Senate would move forward based on the constitutional authority vested in its committees.
While Presenting his report, Senator Ugwu noted that on November 20, 2024, the Senate mandated the Committee on Works to investigate the state of road infrastructure across the country;

In furtherance of the investigative hearings, Ugwu explained that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (JB) neglected and refused to honor invitations to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds totaling over N18b
He drew the attention of colleague senators to the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on these projects, particularly Julius Berger, which failed to meet delivery timelines
Quoting the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to conduct investigations and summon any person or organization responsible for administering public funds
He observed the powers granted by Section 6(1) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, empowering the Senate to issue warrants of arrest for persons in contempt of its proceedings
He acknowledged the termination of Julius Berger’s contract for the Odukpani-Itu Highway project due to demobilization and refusal to accept contract review terms, despite the initial contract value of N54,172,541,180.03 and a subsequent request for an upward review to N195 billion and the critical need for transparency and accountability in the disbursement and administration of public funds allocated for these projects.

***Lawmakers Praise His Leadership and Dedication, Wish Him Success in Edo

The Senate on Wednesday held a special valedictory session in honor of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, following his election as governor.
The session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was attended by nearly all senators, who celebrated Okpebholo’s tenure and expressed mixed emotions about his departure from the Senate.
Lawmakers commended Okpebholo for his humility, hard work, and commitment to serving his constituents. They praised him for his dedication to his work and his people, acknowledging his positive impact on the Senate during his time as a lawmaker.

Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin described Okpebholo as a man of action, noting that his election as governor was a reflection of his genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Edo State.
He encouraged the governor to remain focused on his duties and continue to serve with integrity.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole also lauded Okpebholo’s leadership, highlighting his rapid rise from senator to governor.
Oshiomhole noted that within 30 days of becoming governor, it was clear to the people of Edo State that a new and dedicated leader had emerged.
Senator Danjuma Goje praised Okpebholo’s commitment to his principles and his ability to follow through on his promises. He urged him to remain determined and resolute in his new role as governor.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged Okpebholo’s achievements, particularly his leadership as Chairman of the Committee on Public Procurement, and encouraged him to carry forward his legacy of service in Edo State.

In his valedictory speech, Governor Okpebholo thanked the Senate for its support and expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their kind words. He promised to be a good ambassador for the Senate in his new role as governor.
“I am deeply grateful for the encouragement I received from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and my colleagues. Your support has been invaluable throughout my journey,” Okpebholo said.
He also expressed his appreciation to Senators Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, and other colleagues for their advice and support during his tenure.
Governor Okpebholo’s Senate seat was officially declared vacant, marking the end of his legislative career as he embarks on his new responsibilities in Edo State.

***As it refutes Reports of suspending actions

***Akpabio Defends Tax Reform Process, Dismisses Claims of Rushed Legislation

There were some disagreement at Plenary on Thursday when the Senate contradicted itself over its Wednesday proceedings on the controversial Tax Reforms Bills.

The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele disagreed with reports suggesting that actions on the controversial Tax Reform bills have been suspended.

This was coming against the backdrop that at Wednesday’s plenary Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin while presiding had explained reasons for putting actions on hold on the bills.
Coming under Order 42, the Senate leader countered media reports suggesting that the Senate had suspended or withdrawn the tax reform bills, Bamidele issued a firm position that the tax reform bills remain active and under legislative consideration.
He emphasized that the bills, being executive in nature, can only be withdrawn by the executive branch itself.
“We just passed our votes and proceedings which is a reflection of our deliberations of the previous legislative day being yesterday, nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberations on the tax reform bills because we did not and I felt it would be important to place on record senate did not suspend or withdraw.
“This senate did not suspend and does not intend to suspend deliberations consideration of the tax reform bills.
This is simply my response it was a misunderstanding of legislative process for anybody to have even reported that we had withdrawn the bills the bills were executive bills transmitted to us by the executive arm of government through the office of the president, it’s only the executive arm that can withdraw these bills they are not private member bills sponsored by any senator so no senator is going to withdraw the bill and there’s no reason for these bills to be withdrawn.
“In the legislative process it is normal that some people will have concern it is normal that people will sit around those concerns and discourse that is why in its wisdom this senate in referring this matter to the senate committee on finance gave them as much as six weeks.
“Our instruction was that, deliberate publicly and submit your report not later than six weeks. It might not be up to six weeks, but if they choose to be up to six weeks, nobody will quarrel with them.
“Six weeks is long enough in a country that wants progress for a consensus to be reached, for anybody who has concern to sit down and allow such concern to be addressed in overriding public interest. “In any case, Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, we are continuing with the deliberation, with the consideration of these bills.
“This is all I expected the media to report yesterday, which was well reported by some sections of the media, was that the Senate at its plenary session yesterday took a further legislative action in the consideration of the bill. “What was the further legislative action that we took? From northwest of Ademo Aleros, through the north central of Abba Moros, to the southeast of Oji Uzor Kalus, we drew out people, distinguished senators, from each. geopolitical zone and we constituted them into an Ad Hoc Committee to, on our behalf, further interface.
“We were clear about what we were doing. The Senate Committee on Finance is in charge of public hearing. But we set up an Ad Hoc Committee as a further legislative action to, on our behalf, interface.
“Even the President of the country, I mean, called on us to please interface with the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, which also we would have done in our public hearing. But even then, I mean, the executive requested for that.
“We have set up an Ad Hoc Committee to do that. So while the Finance Committee is working on its timeline, planning for the public hearing, we want this committee to also quickly engage.
“The Deputy Senate President yesterday, in announcing this committee on your behalf, also said, the Ad Hoc Committee should treat this matter with urgency, with this power, and that the meeting should start from today.
“As a matter of fact, Mr. President, the meeting started yesterday. So the essence of what I am saying is that it’s important that members of public are patient with us. They understand the legislative process that we have to follow.
“They understand our role in the Constitution. Any attempt from any quarter, to intimidate the Parliament, will be undemocratic, and will not allow ourselves to be distracted. But we will encourage consensus. We will encourage discussions, engagement at all levels.
“But we will not, we cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure. As far as we are concerned, the tax reform bills are allied. in this hallowed chamber they are receiving consideration at various levels and we are opened to discussions to negotiations to interface but let it not be said anywhere that we suspended further consideration of these bills and also it will be laughable for anybody to also think or say or report that the bills were withdrawn because like I said there are executive bills.
Responding the senate President said, “You came under Order 42 and also the constitutional provisions and the constitution is the ground norm. We can’t argue with the constitution. And Order 42 says that we should not engage in debates. And we should not also bring about any controversial matter.
“From your explanation, it would appear the Television station was totally misled into thinking that the bills were suspended or withdrawn by the Senate.

“Because I watched that news when the governor of Nassarawa was asked, now that the bills have been withdrawn, are you happy?
“The National Assembly, we were all elected to do our work. And that is the work of lawmaking in the overall interest of Nigeria. We do not do our work through social media. Neither do we do it through any committee or congregation of the church or any forum of any nature.
“We do our work according to our conscience in the best interest of Nigeria. And the processes of lawmaking.
“The mechanism of lawmaking can be further explained to the public. The moment the bills went through second reading in the Senate, it simply means that the bills are alive.
“The next procedure is for the committee on finance to commence the process of consultations and public hearings with a view to bringing recommendations back to the chamber.
“But in the wisdom of the Senate yesterday, we had, in a closed session, set up a committee to be headed by the minority leader before the passage of the second reading and we said, in the event that some people are either uneducated on some aspects of the bill or confused or there are gray areas to be sorted out, they should interface with the necessary executive quarters, from the chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Attorney General of the Federation, and if need be, even Mr. President.
“That committee was an internal mechanism of the Senate, different from the committee on finance. And I think that was what was announced yesterday, that that committee should immediately move into work. They should move into action.

Akpabio also refuted claims that the government was rushing the tax reform process, emphasizing that the legislative process is proceeding according to plan and in full alignment with established procedures.
Akpabio reassured Nigerians that there is “nothing sinister” behind the timeline, stating that the Senate has allocated six weeks for committee review. If necessary, the timeline will be extended to ensure thorough deliberation.

“This is executive communication in line with legislative procedure,” Akpabio explained. “The government welcomes meaningful input to address any gray areas in the bill, and President Bola Tinubu has already directed relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate closely with the National Assembly to ensure all concerns are addressed before the bills are finalized.”
Akpabio also highlighted that the Senate had proactively set up an Ad Hoc Committee before even receiving the President’s directive, reflecting the Senate’s foresight and commitment to transparency.

He assured stakeholders, including governors, religious leaders, and business figures, that they would have the opportunity to raise concerns publicly through the appropriate channels.
The Senate president further affirmed that the Senate would not be swayed by external pressure and would continue working in the best interests of Nigeria. “We are doing our work for Nigeria, and our final position will reflect the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians,” Akpabio said.
In defending the tax reform bills, Akpabio emphasized that provisions like exempting businesses earning under ₦50 million from taxes and addressing the issue of multiple taxes would greatly benefit Nigerians. He also noted that the reform would exempt those earning less than minimum wage from paying taxes, benefiting up to 100 million Nigerians.
Concluding his remarks, Akpabio urged Nigerians not to be influenced by social media or certain media outlets, such as Arise Television, which had raised concerns about the process. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to a fair and thorough process that prioritizes the public interest and supports the nation’s economic progress.

Senator Barau however at Plenary on Wednesday had announced that, “The Senate of the Federal Republic, as known by everyone and indeed other Senates in the entire world, are known to be the stabilisers of every country.  “When there are difficulties and disagreements, the Senate of this country comes in with solutions through dialogue and consensus at all times to solve such problems, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been doing that since 1999.
“Because of this, we decided to put politics, ethnicity, and regionalism aside to sit among ourselves and find the way forward with respect to the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.
“It is on this note that we extended our view to the executive arm of government and it was agreed that there should be a forum to sit down to look at the areas that are creating disagreements to resolve them so that the entire country will remain united – united in our effort to solve our problems.
“Before the introduction of these bills,  we know we’ve been faced with several problems and insecurity that we’ve been trying to solve. The president has been trying, and we’re also working with him to solve issues about our economy, which is in line with global economic problems.
“We also agree that we shouldn’t allow anything else to aggravate our country’s problems.
‘It is on this note that it has been agreed by the executive and also by us that there should be a forum that will sit with the Attorney General of the Federation so that we can sit down and sort out all these problems in the interest of this nation.
“It is therefore proposed that by tomorrow (Thursday) there will be a meeting with the committee that we’ve set up here and the leadership to sit with the Attorney General of the Federation to look at those issues and resolve them.

“It’s on this note that the committee on finance that the bills have been referred to, should put on hold further action on it – public hearing and other issues until we resolve these issues.
“All sides will be given the opportunity and we shall resolve the issues before anything is allowed to go. “