Nigeria, Dec. 17 -- The Senate on Wednesday withdrew a motion seeking to compel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt the revocation and reallocation of lands in Abuja.

The motion, sponsored by the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, was withdrawn following deliberations at plenary after a majority of senators opposed aspects of it through a voice vote.

Mr Wike, through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has overseen the demolition of structures in several parts of Abuja, which authorities say were erected in violation of the city's Master Plan.

Beyond demolitions, the minister has also revoked and reallocated land titles, in some instances assigning such lands to new benef...