Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified why the Senate cannot outrightly stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from continuing with the demolition of structures in Abuja. Wike has faced widespread criticism for demolishing houses across the nation’s capital.
The issue recently came to light when Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company, raised concerns about a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) targeting its estate in Lifecamp, Abuja. The company’s General Manager, Mr. Vincent Enoghase, claimed the FCDA had demanded N10 million for a Right of Occupancy, which they had paid but not yet received, before issuing the quit notice.
The matter was raised in the Senate by Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the FCT, who expressed concern over the hardships the demolitions were causing to residents. Kingibe urged the Senate to intervene and halt further demolitions, particularly of estates that had already been marked for destruction. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator for Kogi Central, seconded the motion, calling for a suspension of the demolitions pending a full Senate investigation.
However, Senate President Akpabio explained that while some demolitions could be halted, others could not, as they were court-ordered.
He instructed the FCT Minister to proceed with demolitions that had been ordered by the courts, as failure to do so would amount to disobeying court orders.