Why Senate can’t stop Wike from carrying out demolitions – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed why the lawmakers cannot stop the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from carrying out demolitions in Abuja.

The minister was accused of revoking the land titles to an estate in the FCT and issued the same to Saravera Nigeria Limited, and the Minority Leader and member of the House of Representatives representing Obio/Akpor Constituency, Kingsley Chinda.

The General Manager of the estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, Vincent Enoghase, had claimed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had issued a demolition notice.

On Thursday, a Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, tabled the matter before plenary, at the Senate, arguing that the demolitions were causing untold hardship to victims.

Kingibe pleaded with the Senate to intervene and prevent further demolition of structures, including estates already marked.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) seconded the motion, asking that the demolitions should be stopped pending the outcome of a Senate investigation into the matter.

Akpabio, however, said that “all demolitions could not be stopped because some were ordered by the courts.

“The minister can continue with demolition of structures ordered by the courts in order not to be culpable of disobeying court orders.”

A nine-man ad hoc committee was set up to ascertain the propriety of the demolitions, while Wike was asked to appear before the committee.