A fresh wave of controversy has erupted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a public spat unfolds between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the territory in the Senate. The dispute centers on the recent sealing of several properties in Abuja, including the offices of key institutions, due to unpaid ground rents a move that has sparked debate over legality, fairness, and economic sensitivity.
The conflict was ignited when Senator Kingibe, in a statement posted to her verified social media accounts on May 26, openly criticized the clampdown by the FCT Administration. She described the sealing of properties, notably those belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and financial institutions such as Access Bank, as “unconstitutional and excessive,” arguing that such action infringes on the rights of residents and business owners.
According to Kingibe, while the payment of ground rent is a statutory obligation, the method employed by the FCT Administration locking up buildings without recourse to legal procedure represents a clear breach of both the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act. These laws, she explained, provide for monetary penalties, not property seizure, as a consequence for non-payment.
“Arbitrary enforcement without court orders sends the wrong message in a fragile economy,” she warned. “Such actions erode public trust and aggravate the hardship already endured by everyday Nigerians. This is not how we enforce laws in a democratic society.”
However, Minister Wike’s camp was quick to fire back. In a response issued by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the senator was accused of politicizing the issue and ignoring the broader legal framework. Olayinka asserted that the FCT Administration’s actions were in full compliance with the law, especially provisions related to land tenure and lease obligations.
He argued that failure to settle ground rents some overdue for decades constituted a breach of the Certificate of Occupancy granted to the affected property owners. “The law is clear: non-payment of ground rent can lead to the revocation of the title,” Olayinka said. “Senator Kingibe’s interpretation of the law is selective and self-serving.”
Olayinka further accused the senator of “grandstanding for political mileage,” suggesting her stance was more about scoring points than upholding due process. “Would she remain silent if she were the minister, dealing with landlords who have flouted land use regulations for 20 years or more?” he asked pointedly.
Amid the growing tension, President Bola Tinubu’s administration stepped in to de-escalate the matter. A 14-day grace period was announced for defaulters to pay their outstanding fees. The move temporarily halted the closure of additional properties and allowed room for further dialogue.
Despite this federal intervention, the rift between Kingibe and Wike appears to be widening, reflecting broader political undercurrents in the FCT’s governance. Observers believe the dispute underscores a larger struggle over how policies are enforced and how much discretion local authorities should exercise in times of economic strain.
Kingibe, undeterred by the backlash, assured residents that she would continue to press for accountability and fairness. She pledged to introduce legislative safeguards to ensure that future enforcement actions are both legal and humane.
“Abuja belongs to all Nigerians,” she said. “We must strike a balance between enforcement and empathy.”
As the 14-day window ticks down, all eyes remain on the FCT Administration and its next move one that may further shape the tone of governance in Nigeria’s capital city.
