Nyesom Wike revokes Buhari’s land allocation, 762 others

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has formally announced the revocation of land allocations for 762 individuals, including former president Muhammed Buhari, and other top officials in Abuja’s Maitama district.

According to reports, the FCTA revoked the land allocations due to the landowners’ non-payment of outstanding C-of-O fees.

The revocation of the land allocations by the FCTA followed a series of public notices issued in November, which identified land title defaulters and provided a payment deadline of November 26.

Pursuant to the Land Use Act of 1978, the FCTA stressed that landowners’ failure to meet payment obligations constitutes a breach of the terms and conditions of their land grants.

However, the revocation affects several high-profile individuals, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.

Serving lawmakers, notably Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, are also among those affected by the revocation.

The FCTA, also notified politicians, such as Sam Egwu and Stella Oduah, that failure to settle outstanding payments will result in the revocation of their land allocations.

Furthermore, the FCTA issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 additional landowners, requiring them to settle their outstanding bills.

As gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), non-compliance will lead to revocation of the landowners’ land allocations.

About FCTA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) serves as the primary administrative body for the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

It is overseen by a Minister appointed by the President and supported by a Permanent Secretary.

History of FCTA

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was established in 1976 to oversee the planning, design, and construction of the FCT infrastructure and physical development.

In 1979, the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) was created, and the two organizations eventually merged.

However, the MFCT was replaced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in 2004.

Modern FCTA

The FCTA was established on December 31, 2004, by President Olusegun Obasanjo, following the dissolution of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT).

The move led to the creation of seven new Mandate Secretariats, each focusing on a specific area, including Education, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Human Services, Social Development, Legal Services, and Area Council.

Notably, these secretariats were headed by non-career civil servants, aiming to streamline administrative processes and reduce bottlenecks.

Who is Wike?

Nyesom Wike is a prominent Nigerian politician who has made significant contributions to the country’s governance.

Born on April 20, 1967, he rose to prominence in the political arena, serving as the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area from 1998 to 2007 and later as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State.

Early Life and Education

Wike attended Government Secondary School Eneka in Obiakpor, Rivers State, and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

He also holds a Master’s degree in Political and Administrative Studies from RSUST.

Political Career

Wike’s political career gained momentum when he became the Minister of State for Education in 2011 and later the Federal Minister of Education in 2013.

However, he resigned to contest the 2015 gubernatorial election in Rivers State, which he won. He was re-elected in 2019.

Governorship and Reforms of Wike

During his tenure as governor, Wike implemented various reforms, including declaring public primary and secondary education free in Rivers State, providing free registration for locals in the annual JAMB examination, and signing a bill into law that strengthens women’s right to inherit property.

Infrastructure Development by Wike

Wike also initiated several infrastructure projects, including constructing three major flyovers in Port Harcourt and building and rehabilitating roads across the state.

Ministerial Appointment

In 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The appointment marked a significant shift in his political career, as he transitioned from state governance to national politics.

Presidential run in 2022

Wike’s presidential run in 2022 was a significant event in Nigerian politics. He declared his intention to run for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 2022.

However, he lost the PDP presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar, who secured 371 votes, while Wike garnered 237 votes.

The loss created tension between Wike and Atiku, leading to Wike working against the PDP in the general election.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook