The Senate has directed Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, to immediately suspend all property demolitions in Abuja, following mounting worries regarding alleged irregularities and the hardships these actions have caused for local residents. This decision was prompted by a motion from Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT), which garnered support from Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).
In addition to stopping the demolitions, the Senate has summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee set up to investigate the demolition practices. This committee, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, is expected to report its findings within two weeks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the importance of pausing all demolitions until a comprehensive investigation is conducted. “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to cease further demolitions, except those ordered by competent courts, until the ad hoc committee completes its inquiry and consults with the FCT administration within the next two weeks,” Akpabio announced.
Senator Kingibe, while leading the debate, voiced serious concerns about the demolition activities, claiming they often bypass necessary procedures. She highlighted the severe financial losses experienced by many residents due to what appeared to be unjustified demolitions. “Recently, the demolition actions in the FCT have lacked the required justifications,” she noted, pointing to specific cases like the ongoing revocation and demolition of Messrs Paulosa Estate, originally allocated to the late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor in 1984, which has all the necessary documentation.
She urged the Senate to ensure that demolitions comply with due process and called for a formal investigation into the matter.
During the discussions, Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) argued against an immediate halt to demolitions, advocating for the necessity of hearing from the FCT minister first. “We must investigate this matter before issuing any directives. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back,” he stated.
In contrast, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central), who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, supported the motion to suspend demolitions to ensure fairness and prevent any irreversible actions while investigations are ongoing. “Should we allow demolitions to continue while we are investigating? Halting the situation to allow for inquiry is only fair,” Adegbonmire remarked.
Supporting Adegbonmire’s stance, Akpabio reiterated the need to prioritize citizen welfare and adhere to established protocols during demolitions, stating, “If we permit the demolitions to continue while we investigate, what will be the purpose of our inquiry?”
Ultimately, the Senate resolved to urge Wike to halt any further demolitions and tasked the ad hoc committee with conducting a thorough investigation. This committee includes notable senators such as Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, who are expected to deliver their findings within the designated timeframe.
In response to the Senate’s directive, Minister Wike maintained that his administration would not be deterred by allegations of land grabbing while addressing land violations.
