Finally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCT, Nyesom Wike has made good his threat to revoke undeveloped land in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
From his first day in office, the former Rivers state governor warned that unused land will be taken from the owners, without considering their status in the society.
Wike also vowed to demolish buildings and structures illegally built in the FCT.
Among prominent Nigerians whose lands titles have now been revoked, is Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and former governor of Anambra state.
The total land titles revoked, according to checks by the magazine are 167 plots.
Other peoples who land tilte have been revoked include a former Senate Chief Whip, Udoma Udoma, former Cross River Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, the first Minister of Niger Delta, Ufot Ekaette and the late publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, among others.
In a notice issued Thursday night, the FTC Administration said the plots were revoked due to the failure of their allottees to develop them.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration 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 under-listed 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 notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, stated.
Following his threat to revoke illegally acquired, undeveloped lands, and structures built against Abuja Master Plan, a spokesman for the People’s Democratic Party, Daniel Bwala had chided Wike, saying Presidential Villa, Aso Rock was not part of the original plan .
The question is whether the FCT Minister has the courage to also demolish the Villa.