Ebonyi Assembly to issue arrest warrant on LP chief, others by Ogochukwu Anioke.

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against some companies and contractors, including Labour Party’s (LP’s) governorship aspirant in last year’s election, Mr. Edward Nkwegu, for allegedly refusing to appear before its committee.
The Chief Whip and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee investigating the state’s housing projects, Chike Ogiji, gave the warning yesterday in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The lawmaker warned that the companies and contractors would be arrested, if they failed to appear before his committee tomorrow.
Those who also risk possible arrest include a former Commissioner for Education, Chibueze Agbo, as well as his father, Eze Chibueze Agbo, who is the traditional ruler of Mgbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Their company, Eze Chibueze Agbo and Sons, was also listed as possible defaulters.
 


The contractors listed to appear before the committee are: JMK Construction Company Limited, Costain west Africa, Aguiyi Nigeria Limited, Phinotech Nigeria Limited, Angele Standard Limited, Zim Engineering Limited, Eze Chibueze Agbo and Son, Namik Construction Commerce Limited and Fred Technical Limited.
Others are: CAT Construction Group, Danesworth International Limited, WATA Construction Limited and Tonimann Integrated Limited.
Ogiji said the warrant of arrest was in line with the constitutional powers of the Assembly to probe the affairs of any person, authority, ministry or government departments, as stipulated in Section 128, subsection 1B of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The lawmaker also cited Section 129, subsection 1B, which states that “an issue of warrant to compel the attendance of any person who, after having been summoned to attend, fails, refuses or neglects to do so and does not excuse such failure, refusal or neglect to the satisfaction of the House of Assembly or committees, and orders him to pay all costs which may have been occasioned in compelling his attendance or by any reason of his failure, refusal or neglect to obey the summons shall be recoverable in the same manner as a fine imposed by a court of law”.
He said the Assembly would do everything within its powers to compel the companies to obey the rule of law and be held accountable for their actions.
But Agbo said his company had always sent representatives to the Assembly anytime it was summoned.
He said: “We are partners in progress with the government. We cannot refuse to appear. Anytime they call on us, we will appear.
“The Assembly is doing its lawful duties and we don’t have any problem with it. We will appear on the appointed date.”
Efforts to reach Nkwegu were unsuccessful as he did not answer the calls to his mobile phone.