Kingibe Storms Out as Akpabio Blocks Motion on FCT Demolitions

Tensions rise in the Senate as Kingibe walks out after Senate President Akpabio halts a motion addressing ongoing demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A tense moment occurred in the Senate chamber on Thursday as Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), left abruptly and angrily after being blocked from introducing a motion regarding demolitions in the nation’s capital.

The incident took place during a plenary session, which had been running smoothly until Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied the senator the chance to present her motion.

This prompted a fiery exchange, culminating in the senator abruptly leaving the chamber.

The situation was eventually brought under control when other senators, such as Asuquo Ekpenyong and Oyelola Ashiru, intervened and urged the senate president to permit the senator’s return so she could present her motion.

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A few minutes later, Kingibe came back to the chamber and was instructed by the Senate President to apologize for her actions. At first, she refused but eventually conceded following the Senate President’s persistent urging.

Kingibe later stated that, under the direction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Administration initiated a large-scale demolition of structures in the area. This operation targeted illegal constructions and undeveloped plots allocated by the FCTA.

She claimed that the ongoing demolition did not adhere to court order procedures and noted that several individuals have endured significant hardship, losing properties valued at billions of naira.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, promptly backed Kingibe’s request for an order to halt the FCTA demolitions.

The motion was approved, and an eight-member committee was established to engage in discussions about the demolitions with the FCT administration.