The Senate has launched an inquiry into the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), forming a committee to investigate the controversial actions.
This decision followed a motion raised during Thursday’s plenary by Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT Senatorial District), who highlighted concerns over alleged illegal demolitions in Abuja. Kingibe urged an immediate halt to further demolitions, including those targeting already-marked estates.
Seconding the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) called for a suspension of the demolition activities until the Senate concludes its investigation.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the legislative body could not entirely prevent the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, from carrying out demolitions. He emphasized that some of the demolitions were court-ordered and must proceed to avoid defying judicial directives.
“The minister would continue with the demolition of structures ordered by the courts in order not to be culpable of disobeying court orders,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate resolved that the investigative committee should report its findings within a specified timeframe. It also directed that all structures marked for demolition without court orders remain untouched until the committee meets with the FCT Minister and presents its recommendations.
Additionally, the Senate asked the committee to invite Wike to explain the rationale behind the demolitions, which have left many residents displaced.
The demolition activities have drawn significant public criticism. PUNCH Online reports that a construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, recently raised concerns over a quit notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish its estate in Abuja’s Lifecamp area.
The estate’s General Manager, Vincent Enoghase, disclosed on Tuesday that the FCDA had demanded a payment of N10 million for a Right of Occupancy, which the company paid but was yet to receive before receiving the demolition notice.
The Senate’s intervention aims to ensure accountability and address the controversies surrounding the demolitions in the nation’s capital.
