On Thursday, the Senate ordered Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to immediately cease all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja. This decision came in response to concerns regarding reported irregularities and the hardships brought about by these demolitions. Furthermore, the Senate has summoned the minister to testify before an ad hoc committee established to investigate the demolition activities. The committee, led by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been tasked with submitting its findings within two weeks.
A motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe, supported by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan, led to the Senate’s decision to pause all demolitions in Abuja. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for this pause until a thorough investigation is conducted. He urged the Federal Capital Development Authority to halt further demolitions, except those mandated by competent courts, while an ad hoc committee completes its investigation and works with the FCT administration over the next two weeks.
During her opening remarks, Senator Kingibe expressed her concerns regarding the demolition activities, highlighting that they frequently strayed from proper procedures. She pointed out that many individuals affected by these demolitions have experienced significant hardships from what seemed to be unjustified actions.
She stated, “Recently, the demolition activities in the FCT no longer rely on valid justifications. A diverse group of people has endured immense challenges due to widespread demolitions, resulting in property losses amounting to billions of naira.”
Senator Kingibe raised concerns about the revocation and demolition of Messrs Paulosa Estate, previously chaired by Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor, emphasizing that the land was properly allocated in 1984 with all required documentation. She called on the Senate to ensure that demolitions follow due process and requested an investigation.
During the debate, Senator Karimi Sunday voiced opposition to halting demolitions without consulting the FCT minister first. The discussion centers around the need for an investigation before taking any action regarding demolitions. One senator emphasized the importance of hearing from the minister and suggested that decisions should not be made without proper inquiry.
In contrast, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire advocated for halting the demolitions, highlighting the necessity of fairness and the need to prevent irreversible consequences while the investigation is underway. He argued that it is fair to pause the demolitions until the matter is fully examined.
Supporting Adegbonmire’s position, Akpabio remarked, “If we simply allow the demolitions to continue while we begin our investigation, what exactly are we investigating? It’s crucial that we ensure demolitions serve the best interests of Nigerians and adhere to established procedures.”
The Senate decided to call on the FCT minister to suspend any further demolitions and assigned an ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation.This committee includes prominent senators such as Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, who are expected to deliver their findings within two weeks.
On Thursday, Wike stated that his administration would not be influenced by land grabbing accusations. During an event where he handed over 50 operational vehicles to security agencies in the FCT, he underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing land violations, regardless of who is involved.
Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, accused the FCT Minister of revoking land titles from Paullosa Nigeria Ltd and reallocating them to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda. In response, Wike asserted his commitment to making decisions for the benefit of the FCT, despite facing social media backlash about favoritism. He assured Nigerians and Abuja residents that his administration would not succumb to blackmail regarding land issues, highlighting the presence of land grabbers in the area.
“We will put an end to anyone who believes they can acquire government land for any reason without proper approval. We won’t consider your status. “Whether you’re a civil rights activist or a television personality, wrong is wrong.
“Individuals are occupying government property without authorization or documentation. I’ve made it clear that just because a previous administration didn’t take action doesn’t mean this government won’t. “You’re a squatter who asks others to plead with me, yet you go on television claiming your land was taken, alleging it was allocated to a Rivers man. And so what?
“Is a Rivers man not allowed to own land in Abuja? Tell me, who has the right to land in Abuja?” he stated. The minister issued a stern warning to those indebted for ground rents in the FCT, stating they must pay or risk having their land titles revoked.
“For those who haven’t settled their debts and thought this was a joke, I will revoke all unpaid titles. I mean it. You may think nothing will happen, but something will. “Check your records. If you’ve not made your payment, I will give you a deadline. Once that deadline passes, I will revoke the titles and reallocate them to those who will pay,” he declared.
Wike also announced that his administration plans to hand over 12 new police divisions to the FCT Commissioner of Police by April 2025. The minister emphasized that security is a top priority and announced the ongoing construction of new police divisions across the six area councils of the FCT, following a request from the Commissioner of Police.
He encouraged security agencies to utilize vehicles effectively, particularly in rural areas, to enhance resident safety during and after the Yuletide season. The construction of 12 police divisions is currently in progress, with expectations for completion, furnishing, and equipping by April next year, at which point they will be handed over to the Commissioner.
“We cannot afford to give criminals any opportunity; we must take the fight to them and show that we are serious,” he stated.
Regarding the Christmas and New Year festivities, he urged the police to maintain vigilance and not leave any gaps in security. “During this Yuletide, ensure there are no lapses. I don’t want excuses of unavailable vehicles leading to any incidents,” he emphasized.
Wike also mentioned that the FCT Administration has provided 50 vehicles to federal security agencies in Abuja this year, bringing the total to 100 operational vehicles—an achievement he noted no other state has matched in that timeframe.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, expressed gratitude to the minister on behalf of all security agencies and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents. He assured that the newly provided vehicles would be deployed effectively to enhance security efforts. Disu emphasized that their priority is maintaining a secure environment and acknowledged the challenges ahead. He stated that, in collaboration with other agencies, they would use these resources to improve response times, increase community visibility, and build trust between law enforcement and the public.
“We acknowledge that security is a collective responsibility and are committed to collaborating with the community to ensure a safe environment for all,” the Commissioner stated.
Out of the 50 vehicles provided, 25 were given to the FCT command of the Nigeria Police Force, with five each allocated to the FCT Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade. Additionally, the Abuja Naval Unit and Nigeria Air Force Camp received two vehicles each, while six vehicles were distributed to various FCT departments and agencies.