Wike Defends Revocation of Okorocha’s Land, Vows Strict Enforcement of FCT Ground Rent Policy

FCT Minister Wike says he has no apology for revoking Rochas Okorocha’s land in Abuja.

He insists all defaulters must pay ground rent or risk losing their properties, regardless of status.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming lands from defaulters, stating firmly that he has “no apology” for revoking the property of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Wike made the declaration over the weekend at the 60th birthday celebration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The event was held at the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Addressing dignitaries and party chieftains present, Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration under his watch would not hesitate to repossess lands from owners who default on their statutory ground rent obligations.

“Rochas Okorocha is here; he is my boss, and even though I revoked his land because the right thing must be done, he is still my man,” Wike said, drawing attention to the former governor’s presence at the event. “Senators are here, and Ikpeazu and my colleagues and I say it clearly: if you don’t pay, I will take back our property.”

The former Rivers State governor reiterated that property ownership within the FCT comes with responsibilities, particularly the payment of annual ground rents, which fund infrastructural development and public services.

“Look at what Julius Berger did here,” he said, referring to the renovation of the venue. “Is it by empty hand? Is it not by money? Pay, and you will get the best services.”

The FCT Administration has recently intensified efforts to enforce compliance with ground rent payments, part of broader revenue mobilization strategies aimed at improving service delivery across the nation’s capital. Several high-profile property owners, including politicians and business elites, have come under scrutiny for years of unpaid dues.

Wike, known for his direct and confrontational style of leadership, has made land administration reform a top priority since assuming office in 2023. His ministry has launched a comprehensive audit of land allocations, vowing to recover public assets tied up in non-compliant or underutilized properties.

The revocation of Okorocha’s land is one of the most notable examples of this ongoing clampdown. However, Wike’s remark that “there are no sacred cows” suggests that more recoveries may be underway.

Despite political affiliations and past relationships, Wike insists that his actions are guided by policy and governance needs rather than personal grievances.

“You are getting the best services under the leadership of Tinubu. I have no apologies because I’m the one here,” he declared, linking his strict enforcement strategy to the wider performance goals of the Tinubu administration.

His stance drew mixed reactions online, with some commending his firmness on revenue enforcement and others questioning the selective implementation of land revocations.

Nonetheless, the message from the FCT Minister was clear: property rights in Abuja must be backed by legal compliance, and failure to pay one’s dues will not be tolerated, regardless of status.