Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), staged a walkout from the Senate chamber on Thursday, December 12.
The incident occurred after Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to entertain her motion concerning the ongoing demolitions in Abuja.
Senator Kingibe had previously notified the Senate of her intention to move a motion to investigate the intensified demolition activities led by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the direction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
These demolitions have targeted estates and shanties deemed "illegally" constructed, with Minister Wike asserting that some structures pose security risks to the nation's capital.
The motion was notably absent from the order paper, prompting Senator Kingibe to raise the issue during the session. In response, Senate President Akpabio explained, “We took a matter of urgent public importance, and by our rules, we should only take one a day.”
He further elaborated, “It is not on the order paper… so it does not appear that women are marginalised. Senate leader, can you refer us to the proceedings of the Senate?”
Frustrated by the procedural constraints, Senator Kingibe left the chamber in protest. However, she later returned and issued an apology for her actions.
Following her apology, the Senate allowed her to present her motion, which led to a resolution to investigate the demolitions in the FCT.
Comentários