According to Punch newspaper, the Senate has instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately halt ongoing property demolitions in Abuja. This decision followed concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and the significant hardships caused to affected individuals.
During plenary, Senator Ireti Kingibe raised a motion, seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan, urging the Senate to intervene in the demolition exercise, which reportedly deviates from due process. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that further demolitions should cease until investigations are concluded. He highlighted the need for fairness and proper procedures in such activities.
The Senate also formed an ad hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, to investigate the matter. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks. Kingibe, in her debate, mentioned cases such as the revocation and demolition of the Paulosa Estate, which had been legally allocated since 1984.
Some senators, including Karimi Sunday, argued for hearing from the FCT minister before any directive, but others, like Adeniyi Adegbonmire, insisted on halting the demolitions to prevent irreversible actions. Akpabio supported this stance, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that demolitions are conducted transparently and in the public’s interest.
Meanwhile, Wike defended the demolition exercise, stating that his administration would not tolerate land grabbing or illegal occupation of government properties. Speaking during the handover of 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the FCT, he addressed accusations of reallocating revoked lands to personal associates, asserting that decisions were made in the best interest of Abuja residents.
Wike also warned defaulters on ground rent payments, vowing to revoke titles of those who fail to comply. Additionally, he announced plans to establish 12 new police divisions across the six area councils of the FCT by April 2025, emphasizing security as a top priority.
The Senate’s intervention aims to ensure that demolition activities adhere to due process, balancing urban development with the rights of affected individuals.