The Senate and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, appear to be on a collision course as the upper legislative chamber has directed him to immediately suspend ongoing demolition of houses in Abuja, except those approved by court order.
This move follows concerns over alleged irregularities and hardships caused by the demolitions, which have reportedly displaced numerous residents and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.
Persecondnews reports that despite the controversy surrounding the demolitions, the Minister has defended his actions, vowing to continue with the demolition.
The Senate’s directive was sparked by a motion presented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) during a plenary session, which was promptly supported by Sen. Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).
Consequently, the apex lawmaking body has summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee set up to investigate the demolition exercise.
The Senate committee, led by Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau, has been tasked with submitting its findings within a two-week time frame.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while reading the resolution, stressed that it was crucial to suspend the demolitions until thorough investigations are conducted, ensuring that justice and accountability prevail.
He said: “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction, until the ad hoc committee concludes its investigation and interfaces with the FCT administration within the next two weeks.”
Sen. Kingibe in her lead debate, expressed concerns that the demolition exercise in Abuja has deviated from due process, leading to immense losses for affected individuals.
She argued that many demolitions appear unjustified, highlighting the need for the Senate to intervene and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
She said: “In recent times, the demolition exercise in the FCT was no longer based on reasons that necessitated the demolition.
“A cross-section of individuals have suffered untold hardships occasioned by massive demolition, which has led to a loss of properties worth billions of naira.”
Kingibe called attention to the ongoing revocation and demolition of Messrs Paulosa Estate, which was chaired by the late Col. Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor.
According to Kingibe, the land was properly allocated to Colonel Ogbebor in 1984, with all necessary documentation in place.
She urged the Senate to ensure that demolitions in the FCT proceed only in accordance with due process, and also called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
During the debate, Sen. Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) opposed halting the demolitions, emphasizing that the FCT minister should be heard first before any directive is given.
He said: “We need to investigate this matter before giving any directive. We must hear from the minister. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back.”
Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, disagreed with the majority view and instead supported the motion to halt the demolitions.
He emphasized the importance of fairness and avoiding irreversible actions during the investigation, thereby ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are protected.
He said: “Are we saying that we should allow the place to be demolished while we are trying to look into it? What is fair is to say stop the situation today and let us investigate.”
Backing Adegbonmire’s stance, Akpabio said if the Senate allows demolitions to continue while investigating, there would be nothing left to investigate.
The Senate resolved to urge the FCT Minister, to immediately halt further demolition in Abuja, while also tasking an ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The ad hoc committee is comprised of notable senators, including Deputy Senate Leader Sen. Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Sen. Tahir Monguno, who are expected to present their findings within a two-week timeframe.
The minister of the FCT, has been leading a large-scale demolition campaign in Abuja, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement of residents.
The demolition exercise has had a far-reaching impact, affecting numerous communities and estates in Abuja, including Trademore Estate, Gwarimpa Housing Estate, Dutse Makaranta community, and several others along Airport Road.
Operation Sweep, a task force established by FCT Minister, had on November 4 demolished houses in the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, throwing inhabitants, including women and their children, in alfresco (in the open) without alternative shelters.
The minister’s demolition campaign has sparked intense backlash from affected residents, who vehemently claim that the demolitions are not only unlawful but have also led to substantial losses.
Persecondnews reported that protesters, led by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, had taken to the streets on Friday, November 8, to express their discontent and anger against the government’s action.
Specifically, the protesters condemned the heavy-handed and oppressive methods used by the task force in carrying out the exercise, advocating a more humane approach.
Some critics accused the Minister of having ulterior motives, specifically plotting to sell the land to private developers.
Despite the controversy surrounding the demolitions, the Minister yesterday defended his actions, stating that his administration would not be intimidated by allegations of land grabbing, and would continue to carry out its duties without being swayed by such accusations.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, that we are not afraid of blackmail, particularly as regards this Abuja, there are so many land grabbers.
“We will stop anybody who thinks that they can obtain government land for whatever reason, without formal approval. We will not look at your face.
“If you like, you can be a civil rights activist. If you like, you can be a television talker; what is wrong is wrong.
“People take government property without approval, without documents. And I have told people that there was a government yesterday that did not take any steps does not mean that another government will come today and will not take steps.
“You are a squatter. You tell people to beg me, then you go on television to tell people that they came to take your land, and you said the land was allocated to a Rivers man. So what?.
“A Rivers man is not entitled to have a land in Abuja? You tell me who is that person that is entitled to have a land in Abuja.”
Leave a comment