Abuja Demolition Debate: Lawmakers Demand Accountability while Wike Defends his Actions

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

On Thursday, the Senate directed Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to immediately suspend ongoing property demolitions in Abuja. This directive followed concerns about alleged irregularities and the hardships caused by these demolitions.

The resolution, passed during the plenary, also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the demolition activities. The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been tasked with submitting its findings within two weeks.

Concerns Over Irregularities in Demolitions

The Senate’s decision was driven by a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT), who argued that the demolitions often bypassed due process and inflicted significant losses on affected individuals.

“Recent demolitions in the FCT no longer adhere to proper procedures, causing untold hardships and property losses worth billions of naira,” Kingibe stated.

She cited the example of Messrs Paulosa Estate, allocated to the late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor in 1984, which she claimed had been wrongfully revoked and demolished.

Debate Highlights in the Senate

Senator Karimi Sunday (APC – Kogi West) opposed halting the demolitions without hearing from the minister. He argued, “We need to investigate this matter before giving any directive. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back.”

In contrast, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC – Ondo Central) supported the motion, emphasizing fairness:

“Stopping the demolitions is the right thing to do while the investigation is ongoing. We must avoid irreversible actions.”

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, backed the motion, stating:

“Continuing demolitions during the investigation would render our efforts meaningless. Proper procedures must be ensured to protect Nigerians.”

FCT Minister Defends Demolition Exercise

Meanwhile, Minister Nyesom Wike defended the FCT Administration’s actions, stating that land allocation violations would not be overlooked. Speaking at the handover of 50 vehicles to security agencies in Abuja, Wike dismissed allegations of land grabbing as baseless.

“We will not tolerate illegal acquisition of government land. Regardless of public criticism or social media campaigns, what is wrong is wrong,” Wike said.

He also warned landowners with unpaid ground rents to settle their dues or risk title revocations:

“I will revoke all unpaid titles after the deadline. These lands will be allocated to those who will comply with the rules.”

Enhancing Security During Yuletide

The minister highlighted his administration’s commitment to security, announcing plans to deliver 12 new police divisions across FCT’s six area councils by April 2025.

“We must take the fight to criminals. During the Yuletide period, no gaps will be allowed in security coverage,” Wike emphasized.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, thanked the minister for donating 50 additional vehicles to bolster security operations.