Abuja Demolitions: Senate intervenes, orders Wike to halt action

The Senate has ordered Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to immediately stop ongoing property demolitions in Abuja.

According to Punch Online, The directive, issued on Thursday, followed concerns over irregularities and hardships caused by the demolitions.

The Senate also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, tasked with investigating the matter and submitting its findings within two weeks.

The decision stemmed from a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT), seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central). Kingibe criticized the demolitions, arguing they often violated due process and inflicted immense losses on affected individuals, including properties worth billions of naira.

She specifically cited the revocation and demolition of Paulosa Estate, properly allocated in 1984, as an example of unjust actions.

Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) urged the Senate to hear from the minister before halting demolitions, while Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central) countered, emphasizing the need to avoid irreversible actions during the investigation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the resolution, stressing fairness and adherence to proper procedures.

The Senate directed the FCT administration to halt demolitions unless ordered by courts until the committee concludes its investigation. The committee, comprising notable senators, will ensure a thorough review.

Meanwhile, Wike, speaking at a separate event on Thursday, dismissed allegations of land grabbing, insisting his administration would not tolerate illegal land acquisitions or be swayed by social media criticism. He affirmed that contraventions of FCT land regulations, regardless of the individuals involved, would not be overlooked.

Wike also warned those owing ground rents to settle their debts or risk having their land titles revoked. Additionally, he announced plans to hand over 12 new police divisions to the FCT Commissioner of Police by April 2025.