Senate orders Wike to halt Abuja house demolitions

The Senate on Thursday directed the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately halt all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja.

This resolution followed concerns over alleged irregularities and hardships caused by the demolitions.

In addition, the Senate summoned the minister to appear before an ad hoc committee formed to investigate the demolition activities.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been given two weeks to submit its findings.

The decision was prompted by a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) during plenary, which was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).

While reading the resolution, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, emphasised the importance of halting demolitions until proper investigations are conducted.

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.”