Land Allocation: FCT Indigenes Tackle Minister, Nyesom Wike Over Alleged Corruption, Demand Probe
The indigenes at a press briefing in Abuja called for an investigation of land allocation since the FCT minister assumed office.
The indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, under the umbrella body of Concerned FCT Citizens and Civil Society Groups, have called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to show more accountability and transparency in the allocation of lands in the nation’s capital.
The indigenes at a press briefing in Abuja called for an investigation of land allocation since the FCT minister assumed office.
Speaking for the indigenes and civil societies, the convener, Comrade Daniel Okwa, queried the exemption of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account policy of the Federal Government and also condemned the N5million payment for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for residents as ordered by Wike.
SaharaReporters had on Friday reported that the FCT minister also directed existing landowners with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Abuja to re-certificate them.
Wike during a live television programme In Abuja had said the new C of O would require a National Identification Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). He had noted that the new C of Os would cost individuals N50,000 and corporate bodies, N100,000 each. Meanwhile, the FCT indigenes through the umbrella body said, “
We are raising these concerns because we have received credible information from various sources that Mr Wike has been using his position to enrich himself at the expense of the citizens of this country.
“These questionable conducts on the part of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory are in the areas of shady allocation of land to cronies and highest bidders, usurpation of the role of civil servants, intimidation and extortion of property owners and developers, failure to address the genuine issues in the FCT, and lack of accountability in the administration of the Fct
On the issue of intimidation and extortion of property owners and developers, Wike has been hiding behind what is otherwise a legitimate demand for ground rent and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fee to carry out his dealings. He has used the threat of demolition of property and revocation of allocation to force people to pay these monies.
“While these payments are expected and legal, Wike’s demand for them is more tailored towards raising funds, which is problematic because there is no mechanism in place to adequately protect such funds from embezzlement. This is even as there are concerns that his proxies might have been on the take, allegedly receiving funds on his behalf from property owners who are compelled to negotiate additional grace periods because of the unrealistic deadline given to meet the demand notice.
“As concerned citizens, we cannot sit back and watch as our hard-earned resources, paid to the FCT in various forms of taxes and levies, are being mismanaged and wasted by corrupt officials like Wike.
We call on the relevant anti-graft agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. We also urge all residents of the FCT to join us in this fight against corruption. “
We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these allegations and to take appropriate action to address this issue.
We also call on all Nigerians to reject any form of discrimination and to work towards building a society that is based on the principles of justice, fairness, and equality. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of their ethnic background or region of origin, has the right to equal access to land and employment opportunities.”
