Lere Olayinka, spokesman for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his principal is prepared to revoke the lands of anyone who acquires them illegally.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Olayinka warned that those who fail to regularise their land allocation within the capital city would lose their properties.
Olayinka added that the minister is prepared to revoke the lands of his friends, wife, and enemies if they fail to regularise their land allocation within the FCT.
He also disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority had published the names of 9,532 Nigerians who owe the government for failing to regularise their land allocations within the FCT.
He said, “A few days ago, advertisements were placed in many newspapers listing the names of those owing the government for land. There are 9,532 people who have received allocations from the government but have not paid for the lands, and their names have been published.
“Among the people named was former President Ibrahim Babangida and former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom. Ortom, a very close friend and political ally of the FCT Minister, had his name published.
“What he is saying is that he will not deal with anyone based on friendship but on doing the right thing. He says that if you have legitimate land ownership, even if you are his enemy, there will be no issue. However, if you don’t have legitimate ownership, even if you are his friend or wife, you will lose the land.
“I am saying this again: those whose names have been published, among the 9,532 people, should do what they need to do. If the government decides to revoke their allocation, they will go to TV stations and social media activists to speak for them.
“They now have the option to regularise their ownership, and we are calling on them to do so immediately. If they don’t, they will lose those lands. The minister will not consider whether you are his friend or enemy; he will only consider the legitimacy of your claims.”