By Adenike Lawal
The Nigerian Senate has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions in Abuja, except those sanctioned by court orders.
The resolution followed a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), during a plenary session, highlighting concerns over the humanitarian and legal implications of the demolitions.
Kingibe decried the displacement of residents due to Wike’s demolition drive, citing the case of an estate in Life Camp, Abuja, owned by the late Colonel Paul Osa Ogbebor, as an example.
She called for a halt to all revocations and demolitions until legal and procedural standards are strictly adhered to.
The motion gained support from several senators, including Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, who advocated for an investigation into the demolitions.
However, dissenting voices like Senator Karmi Sunday of Kogi West urged caution, suggesting the need to hear directly from Wike.
Deputy Leader Oyelola Ashiru defended the minister, emphasizing his efforts to restore order in the city.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged that some demolitions had legal backing but warned against emotional responses.
Following deliberations, the Senate voted in favor of Kingibe’s motion and instructed Wike to suspend demolitions lacking court approval.
Additionally, the Senate established an eight-member ad hoc committee, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, to engage with the FCT administration and investigate the demolitions.
The committee comprises members from various political parties, including Sahabi Ya’u (PDP), Victor Umeh (LP), Jimoh Ibrahim (APC), and others.
Earlier, procedural disagreements had sparked tension when Kingibe staged a walkout after being initially barred from presenting her motion.
She later returned to deliver her motion after Senate President Akpabio intervened, though she was asked to apologize for her earlier actions.
The Senate’s resolution underscores concerns about housing security and legal compliance in urban development under Wike’s administration, signaling lawmakers’ commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring adherence to due process.
