Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stormed out of the Senate chamber on Thursday after being denied the opportunity to present a motion addressing ongoing demolitions in Abuja.
Kingibe sought to halt demolitions, particularly those targeting an estate in the Life Camp area owned by the late Colonel Paul Ogbebor.
Despite following instructions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio to present the motion during Thursday’s plenary, it was excluded from the order paper, a prerequisite under Senate rules.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Titus Zam, claimed his office had not received the draft motion, contradicting Kingibe’s assertion that it was submitted.
Frustrated by the procedural block, Kingibe packed her belongings and walked out.
Efforts by colleagues and instructions from the Senate President led to Kingibe’s return, but not before she was directed to apologise for her departure. Though initially reluctant, she eventually complied.
The motion was subsequently granted, and the Senate formed an eight-member ad hoc committee to engage the FCT administration under the supervision of minister Nyesom Wike.
A resolution was also passed, directing the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to suspend demolitions, except for court-ordered cases, pending the committee’s report.
