Senate Orders Halt to Abuja Demolitions Pending Investigation, Wike Defends Actions
The Senate has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to suspend further demolition of structures in Abuja until the conclusion of an investigation into the exercise. This resolution was passed during Thursday’s plenary following a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT.
Senator Kingibe expressed concerns over the demolition activities, stating they were not following due process and were causing significant hardship to affected residents. She highlighted specific cases, including the planned demolition of an estate owned by Paullosa Nigeria Limited in Lifecamp, which was allocated to the late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa in 1984.
Kingibe argued that the exercise, carried out under Wike’s directive, lacked proper consultation and had led to the loss of properties worth billions of naira. She called for immediate Senate intervention to halt the demolitions.
The motion was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who also supported pausing the exercise to allow for a comprehensive review. However, Senator Sunday Karimi objected, emphasizing the minister’s statutory responsibility to manage the FCT.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that while some demolitions ordered by courts could proceed, others not backed by judicial rulings should be halted pending the ad hoc committee’s findings. The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, has two weeks to submit its report.
There was drama during the plenary when Senator Kingibe briefly stormed out of the chamber, frustrated over perceived resistance to her motion. Upon her return, she apologized to her colleagues after a caution from Akpabio, who reminded her of her duty to represent the FCT’s interests.
Meanwhile, Minister Wike has stood by his actions, stating that property owners who fail to pay ground rents will face title revocations. He also warned against illegal land grabbing by construction companies and maintained his stance against succumbing to blackmail.
Wike defended his decision to revoke certain plots of land, including one linked to Niger Delta activist Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, urging those claiming ownership to present valid documentation. He reiterated his commitment to enforcing compliance with FCT laws, stating, “We will not allow lawlessness to thrive.”
Additionally, Wike provided 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the FCT to enhance their operations, reinforcing his administration’s focus on law and order in the capital.
