Drama as Akpabio Encourages Wike to Proceed with Abuja Demolitions

Senate President Godswill Akpabio sparks reactions as he supports Minister Wike’s ongoing demolition activities in Abuja, emphasizing urban renewal amidst growing controversy.

On Thursday, a minor controversy unfolded in the Senate as Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to persist with the ongoing demolition of buildings in Abuja.

In response to a motion presented by Senator Ireti Kingibe regarding the difficulties arising from these demolitions, Akpabio emphasized the necessity for Wike to continue with the demolitions mandated by court orders to avoid any implications of contempt.

The demolitions have faced significant backlash, particularly after Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company, expressed concerns over a demolition notice affecting its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

READ ALSO: Senate Launches Investigation into FCT Demolitions, Plans to Call Wike

Vincent Enoghase, the General Manager of Paullosa Nigeria Limited, claimed in a press conference on Tuesday that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) issued a quit notice despite the company having paid N10 million for a Right of Occupancy that remains ungranted.

In a widely shared video on Wednesday, social media commentator Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, accused the FCT Minister of revoking the land titles of the estate and reallocating them to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives for Obio/Akpor Constituency. Otse further alleged that the original landowner was the late first cadet of the Nigerian Army, who passed away four years ago.

In contrast, Senator Kingibe, representing the FCT, called for the Senate’s intervention to cease further actions.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, supported the motion, advocating for a suspension of all demolition activities pending an investigation.

In response, the Senate has formed a nine-member ad hoc committee to examine the issue and has summoned Wike to appear before it.

The Senate has also determined that no buildings designated for demolition, absent court orders, should be altered until the committee completes its investigation and submits its findings to the chamber.