The Senate has directed the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately halt all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja.
This resolution followed concerns over alleged irregularities and hardships caused by the demolitions.
In addition, the Senate summoned the minister to appear before an ad hoc committee formed to investigate the demolition activities.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been given two weeks to submit its findings.
The decision was prompted by a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) during plenary, which was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).
While reading the resolution, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emphasised the importance of halting demolitions until proper investigations are conducted.
He said, “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction, until the ad hoc committee concludes its investigation and interfaces with the FCT administration within the next two weeks.”
In her lead debate, Senator Kingibe raised concerns about the demolition exercise, noting it often deviated from due process.
She argued that affected individuals had suffered immense losses due to demolitions that appeared unjustified.
She said, “In recent times, the demolition exercise in the FCT was no longer based on reasons that necessitated the demolition. A cross-section of individuals have suffered untold hardships occasioned by massive demolition, which has led to a loss of properties worth billions of naira.”
Kingibe specifically highlighted the ongoing revocation and demolition of Messrs Paulosa Estate, chaired by the late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor.
According to her, the land had been properly allocated to him in 1984, with all requisite documentation.
She urged the Senate to resolve that demolitions should only proceed in line with due process and called for an investigation into the matter.
During the debate, Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) argued against halting demolitions without first hearing from the FCT minister.
He said, “We need to investigate this matter before giving any directive. We must hear from the minister. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back.”
Backing the motion to stop demolition, Akpabio said, “If we just say, continue the demolition, and then we start investigating, what are we then investigating? It’s important for us to ensure that demolitions are in the best interest of Nigerians and follow proper procedures.”
The Senate resolved to urge the FCT minister to halt further demolitions and tasked the ad hoc committee to ensure a thorough investigation.
The committee comprises notable senators, including Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir, Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, and others, who are expected to present their findings within two weeks.
