Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of ignoring a Senate directive to halt demolitions and land revocations in Abuja. Kingibe made the allegation on Tuesday during an interview with Channels Television. She raised concerns about the continued demolition of structures in Abuja’s green areas and service corridors.
The senator said the affected areas were originally reserved for key infrastructure. These included water and sewage systems, electricity networks and rights-of-way for the Abuja mass transit system. According to Kingibe, planning documents showed that the areas could not accommodate permanent structures. She explained that only temporary facilities, such as tents and chairs, had previously been allowed there.
Kingibe recalls Senate intervention
Kingibe said she first raised concerns about Abuja’s green areas through a motion in the Senate. She did so after an attempt to take over an estate in the capital. Following the motion, the Senate approved her request for an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. It also directed that demolitions and land revocations should stop until the committee completed its work.
However, Kingibe said she was not aware that the committee had started its investigation. She added that the FCT administration continued with demolitions despite the Senate directive.
“I must say, to date, I’m not aware that that ad hoc committee ever sat. And the minister continued demolishing, as if the National Assembly, the Senate never spoke,” Kingibe said.
The senator also criticised the Senate’s response to the issue. She said her efforts to ensure that officials followed the directive had not produced the desired result. Kingibe said she approached relevant officials after receiving advice to seek their intervention. However, she said the efforts did not stop the demolitions.
Kingibe calls for stronger FCT oversight
The senator also questioned the level of National Assembly oversight of the FCT administration. She raised particular concerns about its spending and borrowing. According to Kingibe, the FCT’s financial activities require closer scrutiny. She said the National Assembly’s involvement largely focuses on reviewing and approving the territory’s annual budget.
She maintained that the Senate and its committees have a constitutional duty to oversee the FCT administration. They must also ensure that the administration complies with legislative decisions. Kingibe, however, said Abuja’s green areas and infrastructure corridors could still be restored. She said this would require sufficient political will.
“Now that’s not an issue, they can always be restored. Once there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said.
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