Demolitions in FCT must follow due process – Senator Kingibe

The Senate has ordered the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by Nyesom Wike, to stop demolishing structures in the nation’s capital. This followed a motion moved by the Senator representing FCT, Ireti Kingibe, in which she observed that the massive demolition of structures embarked upon by the FCT Administration, is no longer […]

The Senate has ordered the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by Nyesom Wike, to stop demolishing structures in the nation’s capital.

This followed a motion moved by the Senator representing FCT, Ireti Kingibe, in which she observed that the massive demolition of structures embarked upon by the FCT Administration, is no longer based on illegal structures and non development of allocated plots of land by FCT administration, as earlier communicated and that the action is not in line with due process of court orders on demolitions.

The lawmaker explained that the massive revocation and demolition of people’s properties in FCT worth billions of naira have increased hardship for FCT residents and as such, called for its stoppage.

Citing ‘Paul Osang Estate’ allocated in 1984 with requisite title document, currently under threat for demolition, the Senator who described the owner of the property as a patriotic Nigerian that served the country meritoriously, explained that he was one of the first intakes into the highly esteemed Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, with registration number 001.

She urged the Senate to prevail on FCT Administration to halt demolition of houses in FCT, including the said estate which she noted was not illegal, adding that all demolitions should follow due process.

Supporting the motion, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, recommended that a committee should be set up to investigate demolitions in FCT. Consequently, the house ordered the FCT Minister to stop further demolition in FCT.

It also set up an Investigative Committee, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, to probe the controversial exercise within two weeks.The Committee is expected to invite the FCT Minister for interrogation.

Reacting to the development barely one hour after the committee’s formation, the Minister was widely quoted in the media as vowing to continue the exercise, even if heaven would fall, saying it’s a blackmail that must be resisted.