Olusegun Ariyo
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has revoked the land allocations belonging to some governors and other political bigwigs.
The Bayelsa and Imo States governors, Senator Diri Douye and Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu are among the 568 persons whose land allocations in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, were withdrawn by the Minister.
According to Lere Olayinka, the minister’s media aide, the 568 land allottees’ withdrawal of the Right of Occupancy, R-of-O, was consequent upon the expiration of the extra two-week grace period granted them to pay their Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O bills.
Other prominent Nigerians among the 568 allottees are former Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, federal lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke, among others.
Urban Express News Online recalls that in early October 2024, 3,273 had two weeks to pay their bills or lose their R-of-O titles. Of these, 2,511 complied, leaving 762.
The 762 allottees were further allowed another two-week grace period to pay, but as of January 15, this year, 12 days after the grace period expired, only 194 had paid, leaving 568.
The Notice of Withdrawal of Right of Occupancy in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, sighted by our correspondent reads, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA wishes to inform the allottee(s)/ title holder(s) of the plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of grace period granted by the Honorable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, under the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.
“The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication.”
