FCT Senator Confronts Wike, Warns Against Arbitrary Sealing of Properties
The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has issued a strong warning to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over the growing trend of arbitrary sealing of properties in Abuja by various government agencies under the FCT Administration.
In a statement released on Thursday, Senator Kingibe expressed deep concern over the increasing number of properties being sealed across the capital, often without proper notice or adherence to legal procedures.
“While the enforcement of regulations and tax obligations is necessary, such actions must be carried out within the bounds of legality, fairness, and sensitivity to the current economic realities faced by residents,” the Senator stated.
The lawmaker clarified that failure to pay ground rent—a land tax collected by state authorities—does not justify the forceful sealing or takeover of properties, noting that such enforcement violates existing laws.
“It is important to clarify that ground rent… is not grounds for arbitrary property takeover,” she said.
“No Nigerian’s property can be lawfully seized, revoked, or sealed solely on account of failure to pay ground rent. The penalty for such default is, by law, limited to a fine or surcharge.”
Citing the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, Senator Kingibe emphasized that the revocation of land titles or sealing of properties must follow due process, including the provision of adequate notice and the payment of fair compensation where necessary.
The statement comes amid widespread reports of businesses and private properties in Abuja being shut down allegedly for non-payment of levies or regulatory breaches.
The National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was among dozens of offices shut down by the FCT administration for what it said was non-payment of ground rent.
Many affected residents have complained that the actions were carried out without due engagement or recourse to legal redress.
“The indiscriminate and sometimes abrupt sealing of properties… only serves to deepen the economic distress of individuals, families, and business owners already facing mounting hardship,” Senator Kingibe warned.
“These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT.”
She further stressed that respect for the rule of law must remain the cornerstone of governance and that no agency should act outside the confines of constitutional provisions.
“As the elected Senator of the Federal Capital Territory, I cannot, and will not, stand idly by while residents are subjected to enforcement practices that contravene established laws and compound their suffering,” she said.
“I am actively engaging with relevant authorities and exploring all legislative avenues to ensure that any enforcement actions taken are consistent with the rule of law, fairness, and compassion.”
Senator Kingibe called on Abuja residents and business owners to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that her office is closely monitoring the situation.
“Please rest assured that this matter is being addressed with the seriousness it deserves. We are committed to ensuring that dialogue, justice, and due process prevail,” she concluded.
FCT Senator Confronts Wike, Warns Against Arbitrary Sealing of Properties is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
