BREAKING: AKPABIO ORDERS ARREST OF JULIUS BERGER'S MD

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the arrest of Julius Berger's Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, for ignoring multiple invitations to appear before the senate committee on works. The committee wants Lubasch to explain the stalled Odukpani highway project and the significant cost variation, which increased from ₦54 billion to ₦195 billion.

The senate's decision was prompted by a motion by Senate Minority Whip Sen. Osita Ngwu, who expressed concerns over Julius Berger's failure to respond to invitations and provide explanations for the project's delays and cost escalations.

Akpabio announced the decision during Thursday's plenary, stating that the specific date for Lubasch's compulsory appearance before the senate committee on works would be included in the arrest warrant.

Reacting to the development, popular Nigerian musician, Davido, expressed his disappointment with Julius Berger's actions. "It's unacceptable for a company like Julius Berger to ignore invitations from the senate. They need to be held accountable for their actions," he said.

Also reacting, actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, called for transparency and accountability in the handling of public projects. "It's sad to see projects like the Odukpani highway stalled due to corruption and mismanagement. We need to demand more from our leaders and from companies like Julius Berger," she said.

On his part, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, commended the senate for taking action against Julius Berger. "This is a step in the right direction. We need to hold companies and individuals accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to the management of public funds," he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Julius Berger. In a statement signed by the union's national president, Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ expressed concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of public projects.

The NUJ also called on the senate to ensure that the investigation is thorough and that those found guilty are held accountable. "We commend the senate for taking action against Julius Berger, but we also call for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Those found guilty must be held accountable," the statement said.

As the drama unfolds, many Nigerians are watching with keen interest, eager to see how it will all play out. While some have expressed their support for the senate's actions, others have called for caution, arguing that the allegations against Julius Berger must be thoroughly investigated before any conclusions are drawn.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the case against Julius Berger has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of public projects. It has also underscored the importance of holding companies and individuals accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to the management of public funds.

As the investigation continues, Nigerians will be keeping a close eye on developments, eager to see justice served and accountability upheld. The case against Julius Berger is a significant one, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country's fight against corruption and mismanagement.

In related news, the Nigerian government has been called upon to take decisive action against companies and individuals found guilty of corruption and mismanagement. The call was made by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a non-governmental organization that advocates for good governance and transparency.

In a statement signed by the organization's executive director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC expressed concern over the lack of accountability and transparency in the handling of public projects. The organization called on the government to take decisive action against companies and individuals found guilty of corruption and mismanagement.

CISLAC also called on the government to ensure that the investigation into the allegations against Julius Berger is thorough and that those found guilty are held accountable. "We commend the senate for taking action against Julius Berger, but we also call for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Those found guilty must be held accountable," the statement said.

As the case against Julius Berger continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will all play out. One thing is clear, however: the case has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of public projects, and it has underscored the importance of holding companies and individuals accountable for their actions.