Why Wike Revoke Obi, Others Abuja Landed Properties – FCT’s Spokesman

Muhammad Hazat Sule, Director of Information and Communication at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has explained FCT Minister’s decision to revoke 165 Abuja Land Plots.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the action of the Minister had stirred controversy, with many viewing it as a political ploy against the opposition.

Among the cancelled plots was a property gifted to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.

The property is located in the upscale Katampe district of Abuja and its revocation was declared on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

A source close to Obi quoted by News Express, expressed surprise at the development. He said: “Why is Wike making the demolition of property and revocation of land his priority? There are more urgent matters begging for his attention as FCT Minister.

“Even if Wike was told that someone of Obi’s caliber has an undeveloped plot in Abuja, courtesy demands that he would have contacted him to ask of the reason before the revocation.”

The FCT administration had said that the plots were revoked due to the refusal or failure of their allottees to develop them.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA hereby informs the general public that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978, revoked the underlisted plots with names and titles as reflected in our records for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy to wit non-development”, the administration said in the notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola.

This decision affected individuals and corporations that repeatedly breached the terms of the Land Use Act, according to the FCT spokesman.

The 165 cancelled plots are located in several districts, including the Central Business District, Maitama, Wuse II, Gudu, Wuye, Jabi, Utako, Katampe Extension, Idu Industrial Area, and Asokoro.

Upon taking office, Wike pledged to uphold the territory’s master plan and cancel undeveloped plots or those with overdue ground rents. He gave a two-week window for plot owners to settle their ground rents or face cancellation. The plots have now been revoked due to persistent violation of the development terms of the Rights of Occupancy.

Sule, said that the revoked plots belong to individuals and corporate organizations, who have continually failed to keep to the terms of agreement as contained in Section 28(5) (a) & (b) of the Land Use Act.

The One Hundred and Sixty-Five (165) plots are situated within some districts in the FCC namely: Central Business District, Maitama (A05); Maitama (A06); Wuse II (A08); Gudu (B01) and Wuye (B03).

Others are Jabi (B04); Utako (B05); Katampe Extension (B19); Idu Industrial Area (C16) and Asokoro (A04) Districts respectively.

The revocation of the affected plots was approved by the Minister following the violation of the terms of Rights of Occupancy.

Accordingly, “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978 revoked the affected titles for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy to wit non-development”.