A dramatic scene unfolded in the Senate chamber on Thursday when Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stormed out in frustration after being denied the opportunity to present a motion regarding demolitions in the nation’s capital.
The incident took place during a routine plenary session, which had been proceeding smoothly until Senate President Godswill Akpabio stopped Kingibe from presenting her motion.
This led to a tense exchange between the two, and the senator, visibly upset, left the chamber.
Read Also: Why We Can’t Stop Wike From Demolitions – Akpabio
The situation calmed when other senators, including Asuquo Ekpenyong and Oyelola Ashiru, intervened, urging Akpabio to allow Kingibe to return and present her motion.
After a brief pause, Kingibe reentered the chamber and was directed by the Senate President to apologize for her earlier outburst.
While initially resistant, Kingibe eventually complied after Akpabio’s insistence.
Kingibe later explained that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the instruction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had initiated widespread demolitions in the FCT, targeting structures deemed illegal or constructed on undeveloped plots.
She criticized the process, claiming it violated due legal procedures and caused significant hardship, with many individuals losing properties worth billions of naira.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, quickly expressed her support for Kingibe’s plea, calling for the FCTA to halt the demolitions.
The Senate agreed, passing the motion and setting up an eight-member committee to engage with the FCT administration about the matter.
See video below: