Wike Ordered by Senate to Cease Demolitions in Abuja

Senate Directs Halt to Property Demolitions in Abuja By Wike Amid Concerns of Irregularities

ABUJA – On Thursday, the Senate has instructed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately cease all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja, responding to rising concerns about alleged irregularities and the hardships these actions have inflicted on residents.

The Senate’s decision came after a motion was introduced by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT), which was supported by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central). The Senate also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee established to investigate the demolition practices. This committee, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, is required to report back within two weeks.

While announcing the resolution, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed that all demolitions should be halted until a thorough investigation is conducted. “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to stop further demolitions, except those mandated by courts of competent jurisdiction, until the ad hoc committee concludes its investigation and consults with the FCT administration within the next two weeks,” Akpabio stated.

Senator Kingibe, in her lead debate, expressed serious concerns regarding the demolition exercises, arguing that they often bypassed due process. She detailed how numerous individuals have endured severe losses due to demolitions that appeared unwarranted. “In recent times, the demolition activities in the FCT have not adhered to the necessary justifications,” she remarked, stressing the significant financial impact on the victims.

Kingibe emphasized specific cases, including the ongoing revocation and demolition involving Messrs Paulosa Estate, which was previously allocated to the late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor in 1984, with all appropriate documentation in place. She urged the Senate to ensure that demolitions follow due process and called for an official investigation into the matter.

During the discussion, Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) argued against immediately halting demolitions, advocating for the need to hear from the FCT minister first. “We must investigate this matter before giving any directive. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back,” he asserted.

Conversely, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central), who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, voiced support for the motion to suspend the demolitions to ensure fairness and prevent potential irreversible actions while investigations are underway. “Should we allow demolitions to proceed while we are investigating? It is only fair to call a halt to the situation and allow for inquiry,” Adegbonmire stated.

In alignment with Adegbonmire’s position, Akpabio reinforced the need to ensure that demolitions prioritize the welfare of citizens and adhere to proper protocols, noting, “If we allow the demolitions to continue while we investigate, what will be the essence of our inquiry?”

The Senate ultimately resolved to urge Wike to suspend further demolitions and tasked the ad hoc committee with conducting a comprehensive investigation. This committee includes several prominent senators, such as Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, who are expected to present their findings within the stipulated timeframe.

In response to the Senate’s directive, Minister Wike asserted on Thursday that his administration would not be swayed by allegations of land grabbing in its efforts to address land contraventions. During an event to hand over 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the FCT, Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration would not overlook land violations, regardless of who is involved.

He dismissed claims made by a known social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), who accused him of revoking land titles from Paullosa Nigeria Ltd to favor Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. Wike maintained that despite facing scrutiny and accusations, he remains committed to the best interests of the FCT and its residents, firmly stating, “We are not afraid of blackmail, especially concerning land grabbers in Abuja.”