Wike’s Spokesperson Responds To Land Grabbing Allegations, Shares Proof

Wike’s Spokesperson Responds To Land Grabbing Allegations, Shares ProofLere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to claims of land grabbing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), urging those making such allegations to provide concrete evidence of ownership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olayinka cautioned self-styled social media activists to be wary of being manipulated to spread false narratives. He emphasized the importance of verifying claims before going public.

“The most reasonable approach is to seek clarification from all parties involved before making any claims,” Olayinka stated.

He specifically addressed a circulating video about a land in Life Camp, Plot No. 2241, Gwarimpa District, Cadastral Zone C02, Abuja, challenging those claiming ownership of the land to provide documentation such as a Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy granted by the FCTA.

Olayinka explained that the land in question had been occupied for many years by Paulosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company that had been using the property as a temporary office since 1984, under a Temporary Right of Occupancy. The company had occupied the land for 36 years, constructed permanent structures, and rented them out without government approval.

“On November 18, 2020, Paulosa Nigeria Limited applied for the conversion of its Temporary Right of Occupancy to a Statutory Right of Occupancy,” Olayinka continued. “The request was granted on February 1, 2023, with conditions, including the payment of various fees—Ground Rent of N2,332,143 and Premium of N11,660,715, as well as arrears of Ground Rent amounting to N43,144,645.”

However, despite the approval, Paulosa Nigeria Limited failed to comply with the terms and conditions for over 20 months. As a result, the approval for the Statutory Right of Occupancy was revoked on October 10, 2024.

Olayinka clarified that the company never legally owned the land, likening the situation to a student who, after being offered admission, fails to meet the required conditions. “If the student doesn’t pay the necessary fees, can they claim to be a student?” he asked rhetorically.

The FCT Minister’s aide further advised those engaged in human rights activism to ensure they are not misled by unverified claims. “If the individual who produced the video had simply investigated the matter, they would have been better informed and not misled the public,” Olayinka remarked.

He also referenced another individual, who, despite lacking proper legal training, had previously made false claims about land grabbing on social media. Olayinka advised that a proper understanding of the law and consultation with relevant government agencies could have prevented such misleading statements. He emphasized that the allocation of land for specific purposes, such as a recreation park, does not permit the construction of schools or churches, as these would violate the conditions of the land allocation.

Olayinka concluded by urging activists and the public to verify information before making accusations, to ensure that the truth is upheld.

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