Wike Steps On Toes: Buhari, Onnoghen, Okorocha, Others Lose Lands In Abuja

In a move that would be interpreted as stepping on big toes, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 762 plots of land in the upscale Maitama 1 District over unpaid Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 more individuals and organizations to settle outstanding bills or face withdrawal of their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O).

THE WHISTLER reported that Wike had in August 2023 vowed to “step on toes” to ensure that defaulters of ground rent pay their debts.

“I will step on toes. The big and mighty, I will step on them. If you are doing what is wrong, I will do what I am supposed to do,” the minister had warned.

According to a public notice advertised in newspapers on Thursday, the revoked properties include those owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

Others affected are Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, former governors Rochas Okorocha, Ben Ayade, and Seriake Dickson, and several serving and past lawmakers, including Dino Melaye and Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The notice said, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee (s)/title holder (s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.”

The FCTA’s notice cited Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows authorities to revoke land rights due to breaches of occupancy terms, including non-payment of statutory fees.

Wike noted that the move is aimed at ensuring compliance and eliminate land allocation abuses.

Among those given final warnings to pay up are former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, as well as former governors and federal lawmakers.

Other corporate entities such as Julius Berger Nigeria and Honeywell Construction Limited lost allocations in past enforcement actions by the minister.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs the general public, particularly allotee (s)/title holder (s) of land in the Maitama 1 District of the FCT who have since made payment of their outstanding Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills to as a matter of urgency pay the balance of their bills within two weeks from the date of this publication or have their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles withdrawn,” the notice said.

Wike has embarked on aggressive efforts aimed at recovery of the FCT masterplan since assuming office in August 2023. These include the September revocation of 165 plots for non-development.

“When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not. The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done,” Wike had said.

The FCTA has pegged the cost of obtaining a C-of-O at N5 million, with a four-month payment deadline.

Wike Steps On Toes: Buhari, Onnoghen, Okorocha, Others Lose Lands In Abuja is first published on The Whistler Newspaper