The Senate has directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt the ongoing demolition of structures in Abuja, except for those backed by court orders.
Additionally, an eight-member panel led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has been tasked with investigating the demolitions conducted since Wike assumed office.
This decision followed a motion introduced by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, during a plenary session. Kingibe argued that the demolition activities under Wike’s administration were not compliant with legal procedures and had exacerbated the hardship of FCT residents, leaving many homeless.
She specifically highlighted the case of an estate in the Life Camp area of Abuja, previously owned by the late Colonel Paul Osa Ogbebor, whose revocation she sought to have reversed.
Kingibe’s motion also called for the immediate suspension of all ongoing building demolitions and the revocation of estates in the FCT.
Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central supported the motion, urging the Senate to instruct Wike to cease all demolition activities and to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter.
In contrast, Senator Karmi Sunday of Kogi West suggested that the Senate first hear from Wike before making any decisions. Similarly, Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru argued that the Senate lacked the authority to prevent the minister from performing his duties, stating that Wike was working to clean up the city.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that some demolitions were legally sanctioned by the court, particularly those involving illegal structures, and cautioned senators against emotional reactions to the issue. He emphasized the need to evaluate the reasons behind the demolitions before reaching a resolution.
Following an extensive debate, the Senate voted in favor of Kingibe’s motion. Akpabio directed Wike to suspend further demolitions unless supported by court orders and formed an ad hoc committee to engage with the FCT administration on the issue.
The committee, chaired by Barau Jibrin, includes Sahabi Ya’u (PDP, Zamfara North), Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central), Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), Agom Jaribe (PDP, Cross-River North), Mohammed Munguno (APC, Borno North), and Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West).
Before the motion’s deliberation, Kingibe staged a walkout after being prevented from presenting her motion. She had raised a point of order to address the demolition issue, but Akpabio noted that her motion was not included in the order paper, as required by Senate rules.
Kingibe explained that she had submitted the motion to the Senate’s Rules and Business Committee. However, the committee’s chairman, Titus Zam, denied receiving it. Frustrated, Kingibe left the chamber with her belongings.
Following interventions from other senators, Akpabio directed two senators—Augustine Akobondu (Abia Central) and Idiat Adebule (Lagos West)—to persuade Kingibe to return to the chamber. When she returned, Akpabio insisted she apologize for walking out. Kingibe initially resisted but later complied under pressure.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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