Former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, in strong terms condemned the deafening silence of President Bola Tinubu over illegal mass demolition of houses by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Frank who made this condemnation in a statement in Abuja, urged the President to urgently call Wike to order and halt the demolitions or suffer the repercussion of the oppressive tendencies of the FCT administration during the 2027 presidential poll.

Frank said: “Mr. President, say, so much has been going on with FCT since Wike took over as Minister of the FCT. In the process of acting sycophantically to impress you, he is demonstrating that he is performing minister, he is inflicting pains for Nigerians. that it’s causing more pains to Nigerians in FCT. That Wike is terrorizing the FCT.

He lamented that the actions of the Minister have resulted in immense loss and pain for the owners of the demolished houses.

Frank said: “It is shocking and unacceptable that President Bola Tinubu has maintained a deafening silence on this matter.
“As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is his duty to protect the rights and welfare of all citizens. His silence on this issue is a clear indication of his administration’s endorsement of illegality and disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.”

Frank also condemned comments credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio who on Thursday said during a motion meant to halt demolitions in FCT moved by Senator Ireti Kingibe, that the Senate cannot stop Wike from demolishing houses in the territory because they are court-ordered.

“Invariably, it means that the resolution of the Senate urging Wike to stop demolitions pending its investigations is dead on arrival, therefore the more reason why the President must wade in and urgently stop the illegal and anti-people actions of Wike,” he said.

He accused Akpabio and his ilks of allegedly being among the beneficiaries of Wike’s land grabbing posture in the name of cleaning and restoring the FCT masterplan and called for something to done urgently to stop the ravaging bulldozers of the FCTA.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, however reminded that President not to be unmindful of the fact that it is him and not Wike that will be on the ballot in 2027 because Wike’s action in making enemies for him is enough to make him lose the election.

“From all indications, it does appear that Wike is carrying out the demolitions with the approval of the President which explains why the President has been mum the face of these tyrannical, dictatorial and illegal demolitions being carried out by Wike in the FCT,” he said.

He accused Wike of being vindictive by taking out his anger of losing his political battle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on innocent and law-abiding residents of the FCT through demolitions and disruptions.

He described a situation where Wike will tell house owners after demolition of their property to go to court and follow the law, as inhuman when he knows they will not be able to get justice under judicial system he has done all he can to compromise.
He declared that the present demolition exercises by Wike and the inability of house owners with genuine title documents would further scare away foreign investors that the President is making efforts to attract to the country.

“How will investors come to Nigeria when they know they cannot get justice in the event of breaches,” he declared.

Frank added: “It is most unfortunate that Wike is presently administering the FCT like his personal estate even as the President remains silent. The evidences are there everywhere, how Wike has been pulling down houses and taking over lands from companies, private owners and business people, and thereafter reallocate the same plots to himself via proxies, his family members, cronies and political associates.

“We urge the President to take immediate action to address the suffering of the victims of these demolitions. The President must intervene to ensure that the rights of these citizens are protected and that they receive adequate compensation for their losses.

“We equally call on all Nigerians to join me in condemning the actions of the Minister of FCT and the silence of the President on this matter. We must stand together to demand justice and protection for the rights of all citizens.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

In a statement shared via her social media platforms, Dr. Mahmoud lauded Minister Wike’s visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the development of the FCT and Nigeria at large.
She commended his impactful contributions and expressed prayers for continued wisdom, strength, and good health in his service to the nation.
The statement reads:
“Today, we celebrate a leader whose unwavering commitment to the growth and transformation of the Federal Capital Territory and our country continues to inspire us all.
“Your leadership, dedication, and results-driven approach have made a significant impact. As you mark this special milestone, may God bless you with even greater wisdom, strength, and good health to continue your noble work.
“May this year be filled with fulfillment, success, and more achievements. Happy Birthday, Mr. Project!”

The Nigerian Senate, during its plenary on Thursday, urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to suspend all ongoing demolitions, except those sanctioned by court orders, pending the outcome of an investigations into the exercise.
The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT. 
Senator Kingibe had expressed concern about the large-scale demolition of structures in Abuja, which she argued often disregards due process and inflicts significant hardship on residents. 
She cited the specific case of the Paul Osang Estate, a property allocated in 1984, currently under threat of demolition despite having valid title documents.
While Presenting her motion she indicated that the Federal Capital Administration, on the instruction of Honorable Minister of Federal Capital Territory, embarked on massive demolition of structures within the Federal Capital Territory. She explained that the demolition, according to the FCT authority, was informed by illegal structures and non-development of allocated plots of land by the FCT administration. 
She expressed concern that in recent time, the demolition exercise in the FCT is no longer based on reasons adduced by the FCT administration that necessitated the demolition. 
According to her, the current demolition in the FCT is not in line with due process of court orders to demolish. 
“As such, 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. 
Specifically she expressed worry that at the moment, an estate by name Mesas Paulosa, for which late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa of Bebo, is the chairman, is currently under revocation and demolition. 
“From reliable information, the said plot of land was allocated to him in 1984 with requisite title document. And further concerned that the owner of this 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.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan seconded the motion, calling for a thorough investigation by a Senate ad hoc committee to ensure fairness and transparency. 
She proposed gathering input from affected stakeholders and summoning the FCT Minister to provide clarification.
During the debate, opinions varied among senators. While some supported halting the demolitions to allow investigations, others emphasized the importance of adhering to court orders and safeguarding the city’s master plan.
Senator Karimi Sunday representing the people of Kogi West in his response said
“Mr. President, if you look at this motion, a specific land allocation was mentioned, belonging to late Colonel Paul Osang Kwanwa of Bebo,. We don’t have sufficient information about this matter. We are being asked to instruct the minister to stop the demolitions, but there is a need to thoroughly investigate the issue before giving any directive.
“We must hear from the minister first. We cannot act without understanding the full context. You can’t shave a man’s head behind his back. Let’s ensure we gather all the facts before making a decision.”
Senate committee chairman on Judiciary Senator Adeniyi Adegbonire Ayodele who also represents Ondo Central countered Senator Karimi
“With respect, I must express my disagreement on this matter. We need to ensure fairness to all parties involved.
Before us is an allegation that requires certain steps to be taken, which may eventually lead to demolitions. However, I do not believe it is appropriate to allow these demolitions to proceed while we are still investigating the matter.
My view is straightforward: we should direct the minister to halt any demolition activities immediately and initiate an investigation to ensure a level playing field. If we allow demolitions to continue and later find that the minister acted wrongly, the damage would already be done, which would not be fair.
As Chairman of the External Committee on Judicial and Legal Matters, I align with the position that the demolitions should be paused. If we proceed with demolitions before conducting an investigation, it would lead to unnecessary complications, including potential litigation by affected property owners seeking compensation.
Senate President on his part said,
“The right course of action, in my opinion, is to put a hold on all demolitions while we set up a committee to investigate. This committee can then invite the minister and other stakeholders to provide explanations and ensure that proper procedures are being followed.
“We must ascertain that these demolitions are not driven by personal motives and are genuinely in the best interest of Nigerians. This approach will help us act responsibly and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.”
The Senate therefore set up an adhoc committee with Senator Barau Jibrin as Chairman and other members including Senators Sahabi Ya’u, Victor Umeh, Jimoh Ibrahim, Yisa Ashiru, Jarigbe Agom
Jarigbe, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Abdullahi Yahaya and Idiat Oluranti Adebule.

The committee was given two weeks to conclude its findings