Senate Directs Wike To Halt Demolitions In Abuja

Senate Directs Wike To Halt Demolitions In Abuja

On Thursday, the Senate instructed the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately suspend all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja. This decision came after concerns were raised regarding alleged irregularities and the hardships these demolitions have caused…READ MORE…

The Senate has also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee established to investigate the demolition activities. This committee, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been tasked with submitting its findings within two weeks.

The motion to halt demolitions was initiated by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) during the plenary session, and was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central). While relaying the Senate’s resolution, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need to stop demolitions until proper investigations are carried out.

He stated, “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to cease further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by competent courts, until the ad hoc committee completes its investigation and collaborates with the FCT administration in the next two weeks.”

In her lead argument, Senator Kingibe voiced concerns that the demolition exercises often strayed from due process and resulted in significant losses for affected individuals. She pointed out, “Recently, the reasons for demolitions in the FCT have not been adequately justified. Many people have suffered enormous hardships due to extensive demolitions, resulting in billions of naira in property losses.”

Kingibe highlighted the ongoing revocation and demolition of Messrs Paulosa Estate, chaired by the late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor, asserting that the land had been properly allocated since 1984 with all necessary documentation. She called for the Senate to ensure that demolitions proceed strictly according to legal processes and urged an investigation into the matter.

During the debate, Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) opposed the motion to suspend demolitions without first obtaining input from the FCT minister, stating, “We need to investigate this matter before issuing any directives. We must hear from the minister.”

In contrast, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central), Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, supported the motion to halt demolitions to ensure fairness and to prevent irreversible actions during the investigation. Adegbonmire remarked, “Should we allow demolitions to continue while we investigate? It is only fair to pause and look into the matter first.”

Backing Adegbonmire, Akpabio stated, “If we continue with demolitions while investigating, there would be nothing left to investigate. It’s essential for us to ensure that demolitions are conducted properly and in the best interest of Nigerians.”

The Senate resolved to urge the FCT minister to stop further demolitions and tasked the ad hoc committee with conducting a thorough investigation. The committee includes prominent senators, such as Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, who are expected to present their findings within a fortnight.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Wike asserted that his administration would not be swayed by allegations of land grabbing while performing its duties. Speaking at the handover of 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the FCT, he maintained that the FCT Administration will not overlook land violations by anyone.

Wike addressed recent accusations from social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed Wike had revoked land titles belonging to Paullosa Nigeria Ltd for reallocation to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda. He stated that despite the critics, he would continue to act in the best interests of the FCT.

Wike declared, “We will not be intimidated by blackmail. Numerous land grabbers have emerged in Abuja. We will stop anyone attempting to acquire government land without proper approval. It doesn’t matter who you are.”

He also cautioned those who owe ground rents in the FCT to settle their dues or risk having their titles revoked, stating, “Anyone who hasn’t paid should check their records. I will give notice, but once that expires, I will revoke their titles and reallocate them to those willing to pay.”

Furthermore, Wike announced plans to establish 12 new police divisions across the six area councils of the FCT by April 2025, in response to a request from the Commissioner of Police. He urged security agencies to use the newly provided vehicles, especially in rural areas, to ensure residents’ safety during the holiday season.

Wike emphasized the importance of preventing any security gaps during the Christmas and New Year festivities, instructing the police to be fully prepared.

The minister revealed that earlier in the year, the FCT Administration had already provided 50 vehicles for federal security agencies, totaling 100 operational vehicles, claiming no other state had achieved such provision within the same timeframe.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed gratitude on behalf of all security agencies, affirming their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents. He assured that the newly received vehicles would be effectively used in collaborative efforts to enhance security measures in the community.

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