Mohamed Garba
Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has clarified that Buhari is not the owner of the land revoked by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Shehu described the incident as a “case of misinformation and bureaucratic missteps.”
According to Shehu, the land in question is registered under the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, not Buhari personally. He explained that the foundation was established by well-meaning individuals close to Buhari, who followed all legal procedures in acquiring the land.
Shehu also emphasized that Buhari already owns a plot of land registered in his name in Abuja. During his presidency, Buhari declined offers to acquire additional land, opting instead to prioritize those without land.
Wike’s revocation of land titles has affected several prominent individuals and organizations, including the Buhari Trust Fund, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, among others.
As part of his reform efforts, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in Abuja, citing non-payment of statutory fees. This move impacts numerous high-profile individuals and entities.
Additionally, Wike has issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organizations, demanding payment of outstanding Rights of Occupancy fees or risk losing their plots. The Minister’s decision is reportedly aimed at addressing irregularities in land ownership within the Federal Capital Territory.
The revocation of land ownership has, however, sparked controversy, with some questioning the motives behind Wike’s actions. Despite this, the Minister’s office has maintained that the decision is part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability in land allocation and management in the Federal Capital Territory.
