The Senate has directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to immediately cease further demolitions of structures in the capital, with the exception of those ordered by a competent Court of law.
The decision comes as the Senate’s ad-hoc Committee began investigation into the matter.
The resolution was adopted following a motion introduced by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) during Thursday’s plenary session.
Kingibe highlighted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the Minister’s instructions, had initiated widespread demolition of buildings in the FCT.
However, Kingibe expressed concern that recent demolitions have not adhered to the stated reasons and are not in line with legal procedures for demolitions sanctioned by the Courts.
She also noted that the ongoing demolitions have caused significant hardships for affected individuals, resulting in the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira.
The Senator raised concern about the revocation and demolition of an estate owned by a patriotic Nigerian who had served the country honorably.
She urged the Senate to intervene and halt the ongoing demolitions, as the estate did not meet the criteria for the mass demolitions being conducted by the FCT Administration.
Kingibe stressed the importance of following due process in all demolitions, and called for all actions to comply with legal procedures.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC-Kogi) emphasized the need for further investigations into the matter before any action is taken.
He called on the Senate to hear from the FCT Minister for a better understanding of the situation, before making any decisions about halting the demolitions.
An ad-hoc Committee was thereafter set-up to investigate the ongoing demolitions and is expected to report back within two weeks
The Committee will be chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, with Senators Victor Umeh, Jimoh Ibrahim, Abdullahi Yahaya, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Mohammed Monguno, Oyelola Ashiru, and Sahabi Yaú serving as members.
(Editors : Ena Agbanoma and Ken Eseni)
