Rita Odafe
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the cancellation of 762 land plots owned by various high-profile individuals, including former president Muhammadu Buhari and others such as George Akume, Tajudeen Abbas, and Walter Onnoghen. This decision follows their failure to settle payment for the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) associated with their properties in Abuja.
Reports indicate that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued public notices regarding this situation, specifying that the affected plots are located in the affluent Maitama 1 District of the capital.
Additionally, Wike warned that 614 other individuals and corporations are at risk of losing their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) if they do not clear their outstanding payments within a fortnight.
Among those impacted are notable former governors including Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Ben Ayade of Cross River, as well as Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa State and others.
A number of former and current legislators are also included in this revocation, such as Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdul Ningi, and Dino Melaye, among others.
This notification stated: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs allottees/title holders of properties in Maitama 1 who have not settled their C-of-O fees, despite the grace period offered by the Minister, that their Rights of Occupancy have been rescinded according to Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
“As per Section 28 of the Land Use Act, the authorities are empowered to revoke land grants if conditions set therein are violated, including failure to pay statutory fees that could lead to plot revocations.”
According to Premium Times, more affected lawmakers include the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno, and various former members of the House of Representatives.
Notably, former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu and current Deputy Governor of Edo State Dennis Idahosa also face potential revocation.
The notice concluded, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration reiterates that title holders in Maitama 1 must urgently address their outstanding C-of-O payments within two weeks of this announcement or risk losing their Rights of Occupancy.”
