The Senate has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to suspend the ongoing demolition of buildings in Abuja, except those authorized by the court. This decision was made after a motion was sponsored by Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) during the plenary session.
Mrs. Kingibe expressed concerns that the demolitions, which began under Mr. Wike’s administration, are not in line with court rulings. She also noted that the demolitions have increased hardship among residents, leaving many people homeless. The senator specifically mentioned the revocation of an estate around Life Camp, owned by the late Paul Ogbebor, a retired colonel.
Kogi Central senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan seconded the motion, urging the Senate to direct Mr. Wike to stop demolishing FCT structures and constitute an ad hoc committee to investigate the demolitions. However, Kogi West senator Karmi Sunday suggested that the Senate should hear from the FCT minister before making a decision.
Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru argued that the Senate does not have the right to stop Mr. Wike from demolishing buildings in the FCT, stating that the minister “is cleaning the city.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also weighed in, saying that the court had authorized the demolition of some buildings due to their illegal status.
“The court has authorized some of the demolitions. If somebody built on the drainage and the court ordered that such buildings should be demolished, you cannot come up with a resolution to stop the order,” Mr. Akpabio said.
He also cautioned his colleagues against being emotional about the demolitions, urging them to consider the reasons behind the actions.
Following the debate, the Senate president put the motion to a vote, and the majority of the senators supported it.
As a result, Mr. Akpabio asked the FCT minister to suspend the ongoing demolitions, except those authorized by the court.
He also constituted an ad hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, to liaise with the FCT administration.
