Senate Urges Nyesom Wike To Halt Unauthorized Demolitions In Abuja

17 / 100

SEO Score

The Nigerian Senate has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to suspend ongoing demolitions of structures in Abuja unless authorized by court rulings. This decision followed a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) during a plenary session.

Key Senate Actions on Demolitions

Motion Raised by Senator Kingibe
Senator Kingibe highlighted that many demolitions under Wike’s administration were not court-sanctioned, leading to increased hardship for Abuja residents, including homelessness. She specifically cited the revocation of an estate in the Life Camp area owned by late Colonel Paul Osa Ogbebor.
Ad Hoc Committee Formation
The Senate constituted an eight-member committee led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to investigate the demolitions. The panel includes senators from various regions, ensuring a balanced review of the issue.
Debates and Differing Views
- Support for Suspension: Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) seconded Kingibe’s motion, urging immediate suspension and thorough investigation of the demolitions.
- Cautionary Stance: Senator Karmi Sunday (Kogi West) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for due process, noting some demolitions were court-ordered.
Final Resolution
After extensive deliberation, the Senate directed Wike to halt demolitions not backed by court rulings and tasked the ad hoc committee with liaising with the FCT administration to resolve the matter.

Drama in the Chamber

Before presenting her motion, Senator Kingibe staged a dramatic walkout, citing procedural errors. Senate President Akpabio later invited her back, asking for an apology to her colleagues for the disruption.