The Nigerian Senate has put a stop to all ongoing demolitions in Abuja. This comes after a lot of public outcry and a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe. The Senate is not happy with how things are being done and has launched an investigation. This article breaks down what has happened, why it matters, and what might happen next.
Here’s a Quick Rundown:
- Senate orders immediate halt to all demolitions in Abuja.
- FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is now under investigation.
- Allegations of illegal demolitions and unfair treatment of citizens.
- A special committee has been set up to look into the matter.
Why Did This Happen?
Senator Ireti Kingibe raised a motion expressing serious concerns about the way demolitions were being carried out in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She pointed out that many people have suffered greatly, losing homes and businesses worth billions of naira. There have been many reports that many of these demolitions are not following the proper rules and that some people are being treated very unfairly.
The Claims
The FCT authorities have stated that they are only targeting buildings that were built without permission or on land that was not properly developed. However, Senator Kingibe and others are claiming that many of the demolitions appear to be happening randomly without following the due process. It seems that some demolitions may be linked to land disputes. This has led to a lot of anger and despair amongst Abuja residents.
The Case of Merss Paulosa
One specific case that has caught the attention of the Senate is the planned demolition of a building owned by the late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa, a national hero and a member of the first set of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. Senator Kingibe stated that this building has all of the right documents and was allocated since 1984. The senate is not happy with what has happened and wants the government to tread with caution.
Senate Intervenes
After Kingibe’s presentation, Senator Sunday Karimi initially tried to stop the motion. He argued that the Senate should not interfere with the Minister’s work, adding that they should allow him to carry out his duties. However, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, pointed out that demolitions should not be carried out first, and then investigated later. He stated that the government is putting itself at risk of being sued. The Senate President then ordered that all demolitions should be stopped immediately. Senator Barau Jibrin was appointed to lead the special committee that will be investigating this matter.
What Happens Next?
The special committee will investigate all the allegations and how the demolitions were done. They will be looking at the complaints from people who lost their properties to find the truth. This is a big step and shows that the Senate is now looking into these issues very closely. The big question that everyone is asking now is, what will happen when the truth comes out?
More Background Information
The FCT has had a history of issues around demolitions and land management, leading to many people living in fear of losing their homes. This move by the senate shows how important it is to have transparency and accountability when carrying out government actions. The senate is doing its part to try to protect citizens who feel that they have been wronged.
Why This Matters
This story matters because it affects a lot of people who are living in Abuja. It also shows that the government needs to be responsible and must be held accountable to citizens. The demolitions will have a lot of consequences for so many families and businesses. The senate is looking to stand up for the rights of those affected.
This is a developing story and we will keep you updated as new information is made available.
