The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the revocation of its land title in Abuja was a ploy to suppress opposition. Wike explained that the revocation was due to the PDP’s failure to pay the mandatory ground rent for over 10 years, amounting to N7.6 million
Wike emphasized that the revocation of the PDP’s land title was not peculiar to the party. Other institutions, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as well as individuals, had also had their land titles revoked for the same reason. The minister noted that the revocation was part of a broader effort to enforce land ownership regulations in Abuja.
The PDP had alleged that Wike was instructed to revoke its land title to stifle opposition. However, Wike denied these allegations, stating that the revocation was a result of the party’s failure to comply with the law. The minister emphasized that the revocation was not a politically motivated decision, but rather a necessary step to ensure that all landowners in Abuja comply with the law.
The revocation of the PDP’s land title has significant implications for the party. The party’s national secretariat, which is located on the revoked land, may be affected by the decision. However, Wike emphasized that the revocation does not affect the party’s operations, but rather its ownership of the land.
The revocation of land titles is not limited to the PDP. Other institutions, such as INEC and the CBN, have also had their land titles revoked for non-payment of ground rent. The CBN had been pleading for the reversal of the land title, but Wike insisted that the bank must pay the outstanding ground rent before the revocation is reversed.
The Body of Benchers, a body of senior lawyers, had visited Wike to discuss the revocation of land titles. Wike advised the body to ensure that they pay their ground rent, warning that no defaulting land allottee would be spared. The minister emphasized that the revocation of land titles is a necessary step to ensure that all landowners in Abuja comply with the law.
The revocation of the PDP’s land title has sparked controversy, with the party alleging that the decision was politically motivated. However, Wike has denied these allegations, stating that the revocation was a result of the party’s failure to comply with the law. The minister emphasized that the revocation is part of a broader effort to enforce land ownership regulations in Abuja.