A heated political exchange has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over the ongoing clampdown on ground rent defaulters in Abuja.
The controversy began following the FCT Administration’s sealing of several properties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat and Access Bank offices, over alleged failure to pay accumulated ground rent debts.
Senator Kingibe Criticizes Mass Property Sealing
- Senator Kingibe, in a statement released on May 26, 2025, via her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, described the enforcement as “unconstitutional”, “high-handed,” and a violation of the rights of Abuja residents and business owners.
- She argued that while the payment of ground rent is a legal obligation, the indiscriminate sealing of properties without adequate due process contradicts both the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act.
“No Nigerian’s property can be lawfully sealed or seized solely for ground rent default,” she said. “The law provides for surcharges or fines—not arbitrary closure of businesses or homes.”
Kingibe warned that the mass enforcement could further erode public trust and increase economic hardship among FCT residents. She pledged to pursue legislative reforms to ensure that future enforcement actions follow legal procedures.
Wike’s Camp Fires Back, Accuses Kingibe of Political Vendetta
Responding swiftly, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Minister Wike, slammed Kingibe, accusing her of “embarrassing ignorance” of the Land Use Act and politicizing the issue.
“Ground rent is not optional. It’s a legal responsibility tied to land ownership,” Olayinka said. “Some of these debts have been pending for 10, 20, even 43 years.”
He claimed that Kingibe’s objections were politically motivated and aimed at turning every issue into a personal attack against Minister Wike.
“Rather than defend chronic defaulters, she should purge herself of her hatred for Wike,” he added.
Olayinka further stated that non-payment of ground rent is a violation of the Certificate of Occupancy, which legally justifies revocation or sealing under Section 28 of the Land Use Act.
“Would Senator Kingibe have tolerated such widespread non-compliance if she were the FCT Minister?” he queried.
Tinubu Grants Temporary Relief
The ongoing dispute follows President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, granting a 14-day grace period to property owners to settle their arrears, temporarily halting further sealing exercises.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
However, the clash between Wike and Kingibe reflects a deeper political tension over how public policy and law enforcement should be handled in the nation’s capital.
Kingibe Appeals for Calm
Senator Kingibe has called on residents of Abuja to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient, assuring them that she is working to ensure that dialogue, justice, and due process are upheld.
“We are committed to protecting the rights of citizens while ensuring that lawful obligations are respected,” she stated.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, and we bring you the latest Nigerian news on politics and economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates, including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
