The Senate on Thursday initiated an investigation into recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and established an investigative committee to address the issue.
The committee will summon FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to provide an explanation for the demolitions, which have displaced numerous residents.
The motion, raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe representing the FCT Senatorial District, expressed concern over the alleged illegal demolition of structures in the capital and called for an immediate halt to further actions.
The Senate tasked the committee with reporting back within a specified timeframe.
Additionally, the Senate summoned the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for failing to respond to invitations concerning the Odukpani-Itu Highway project.
This critical highway links Odukpani in Cross River State to Itu in Akwa Ibom State, serving as a vital transportation and economic corridor for the South-South region.
According to a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, Julius Berger has consistently ignored requests to provide project details, despite receiving over ₦18 billion in public funds for the highway.
The Senate condemned the refusal of Julius Berger and other entities to comply with lawful invitations, describing it as contempt of the National Assembly and a violation of constitutional authority.
To enforce compliance, the Senate invoked its constitutional powers to issue a warrant of arrest, compelling the attendance of Julius Berger’s Managing Director at the rescheduled investigative hearing.