The Nigerian Senate has instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt ongoing demolition exercises in the FCT, with the exception of those mandated by a court of competent jurisdiction, pending an investigation.
These demolitions have stirred controversy, leaving many residents homeless.
Wike has committed to continue the demolition of “shanties” deemed to pose security risks. However, Senator Ireti Kingibe has claimed that due process has not been followed.
An ad-hoc committee led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin will investigate the situation and report back within two weeks. The committee is set to invite Wike to clarify the rationale behind the demolitions.
Additionally, the Senate has summoned the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC regarding the company’s failure to provide information about the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving over N18 billion in public funds.
The Senate has exercised its constitutional authority to issue a warrant of arrest to ensure the Managing Director’s attendance at the rescheduled investigative hearing.
