ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A tense moment unfolded in the Senate chamber on Thursday when Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), walked out in protest after Senate President Godswill Akpabio stopped her from presenting a motion addressing the ongoing demolitions in Abuja.
Channels Television reports that the session, which had been proceeding without incident, turned heated as Kingibe attempted to raise concerns about the demolitions carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the directive of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Senate President Akpabio, however, denied her the floor to present the motion, leading to a fiery exchange and Kingibe storming out of the chamber.
The situation however, was diffused after fellow senators, including Asuquo Ekpenyong and Oyelola Ashiru, intervened, urging Akpabio to reconsider and allow Kingibe to speak.
Following their pleas, Kingibe returned to the chamber but was instructed by Akpabio to apologise for walking out.
Initially, she resisted but eventually complied after persistent demands from the Senate President.
Upon regaining the floor, Kingibe strongly criticised the demolition exercise, asserting that it was not carried out in line with due process or court orders.
She highlighted the severe impact on affected residents, saying, “Some persons have suffered untold hardship and loss of properties worth billions of naira.”
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According to Kingibe, the demolitions targeted alleged illegal structures and undeveloped plots of land, but she argued that the actions of the FCTA under Wike’s leadership have caused significant distress.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central expressed her support for Kingibe’s motion, advocating for an immediate halt to the demolitions.
In response, the Senate granted Kingibe’s prayer and resolved to address the issue further.
An eight-member committee was constituted to engage with the FCT administration and review the demolition exercise.
The committee is expected to examine the legality of the actions taken by the FCTA and recommend appropriate measures.
The incident underscores the growing tensions in the Senate over the FCTA’s demolition activities.
While some legislators back the minister’s efforts to restore order and reclaim government land, others, like Kingibe, believe the process has been marred by irregularities and disregard for the plight of affected residents.
The committee’s findings are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Senate’s stance on the controversial demolitions, as public scrutiny of the exercise continues to mount.