Nigerian Senate directs FCT Administration to stop further demolition of structures

By Iyojo Ameh

Senate has urged the
FCT Administration to stop henceforth demolition of structures in the FCT, except structures ordered for demolition by court of competent jurisdiction, pending investigation of its adhoc committee.

Senate resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe during plenary in Abuja

Senator Kingibe said the Federal Capital Administration on the instruction of of the minister embarked on massive demolition of structures within the FCT.

She said the demolition, according to the FCT authority, was informed
by illegal structures and
on non development of allocated plots of land by the FCT Administration.

She said it was worrisome that in recent times the demolition exercise in the FCT was no longer based on reasons adduced by the FCT Administration.

Kingibe further said that the
current demolition in the FCT was not in line with due process of court orders to demolish.

She said given the demolition a cross-section of individuals had suffered untold hardships occasioned by massive demolition, which has led to a loss of properties worth billions of naira.

She said it was worrisome that at the moment an estate was currently under revocation and demolition.

“And from reliable information, the said plot of land was allocated in 1984 with requisite title, document.”

She said the owner of the estate was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation meritoriously and one of
the first intake of the Nigerian
Defense Academy Kaduna with registration number 001.

She urged the Senate to prevail on the FCT Administration to halt the ongoing revocation and demolition of the said property as it does not fall within the purview of the reasons for the massive demolition being carried by the FCDA.

She said there was need for all demolitions to follow due process.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan,)PDP-Kogi),who seconded the motion said there was need to put a halt to the demolition and set up a committee to investigate the matters .

She called for the invitation of the FCDA officials and his team to view things objectively from all sides .