Senator Ireti Kingibe who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has questioned the powers of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to order mass demolition of buildings in the Capital city.
News About Nigeria reports that Senator Kingibe emphasized that Wike does not possess the executive authority to unilaterally order demolitions.
Wike had earlier promised the demolition of illegal structures across the FCT when he assumed office. However, Senator Kingibe believes that the minister needs more time to understand how the city works, before initiating such actions.
She acknowledged the necessity of dealing with structures encroaching on waterways and floodplains but advised a holistic approach.
Kingibe stated, “I am not talking of random demolitions. The Minister has not been here long enough to have studied everything holistically, and I feel like he needs to take time to look at the whole picture of the FCT and then decide.”
While Senator Kingibe acknowledged the need for demolitions in some cases, she stressed the importance of considering the broader context and the interests of FCT residents.
She also emphasized that as the elected senator representing the FCT, she is accountable to the people, while the minister is not. However, she also pointed out that their interests can align for the benefit of FCT residents.
Senator Kingibe further noted that the FCT minister lacks executive powers, except those given to him by the National Assembly and the President. She calls on Wike to acknowledge the need to collaborate with these entities, and not cause a stir in the country’s capital city.
