The Nigerian Senate has requested that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suspend the demolition of properties within the FCT until the investigations conducted by its ad-hoc committee are completed.
Henzodaily reports that this resolution was adopted on Thursday following a motion presented by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who raised alarms about the escalating nature of the demolitions in the FCT.
Senator Kingibe emphasized the necessity for Senate intervention.
A portion of Kingibe’s motion stated: “It is further concerning that the demolitions in the FCT are no longer adhering to due process, resulting in significant hardship for many individuals who have endured substantial losses of properties valued in the billions of naira.
“Note that the Federal Capital Administration, on the instruction of the Honorable Minister of Federal Capital Territory, embarked on massive demolition of structures within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Also note that the demolition, according to the FCT authority, was caused by illegal structures and the non-development of allocated plots of land by the FCT administration.
“Concerned that in recent times, the demolition exercise in the FCT is no longer based on reasons adduced by the FCT administration that necessitated the demolition. Further, we are concerned that the current demolition in the FCT is not in line with due process of court orders to demolish.
“Also concerned that at the moment, an estate by name Merss Paulosa, for which late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa of Bebo, is the chairman, is currently under revocation and demolition. And from reliable information, the said plot of land was allocated to him in 1984 with the requisite title document.
“And further concerned that the owner of this estate was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation meritoriously and one of the first intakes of the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, with registration number 001.”
Following Kingibe’s presentation, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, raised objections to the motion and urged his colleagues to allow the minister to fulfill his statutory duties without interference.
He proposed that an investigation be conducted into the demolitions that have occurred thus far.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio advised the senator to set aside personal sentiments and act in the interest of patriotism, emphasizing that damage should not occur first with the expectation of subsequent investigation.
Akpabio expressed concerns that the government might face legal action from individuals dissatisfied with the demolitions.
He then ordered a suspension of the ongoing demolitions.
An ad-hoc committee, led by Senator Jibrin Barau, was established to examine the demolitions.