The Senate on Thursday directed Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to immediately stop all ongoing property demolitions in Abuja.

This resolution followed concerns over alleged irregularities and the hardships caused by the demolitions.

The Senate also summoned Wike to appear before an ad hoc committee set up to investigate the demolition activities. The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, has been given two weeks to submit its findings.

The decision was triggered by a motion raised during plenary by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP – FCT) and seconded by Senator Natasha Akpabio-Uduaghan (PDP – Kogi Central).

While announcing the resolution, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need to suspend demolitions until proper investigations are completed.

“The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdiction, until the ad hoc committee concludes its investigation and interfaces with the FCT administration within the next two weeks,” Akpabio said.

In her lead debate, Senator Kingibe highlighted concerns about the demolition exercise, stating that it often deviated from due process and inflicted immense losses on affected individuals.

The Senate tasked the ad hoc committee, comprising notable senators like Deputy Senate Leader Senator Oyelola Ashir and Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its findings within two weeks.