The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has sent a strong warning to all landowners in Abuja: pay your ground rent or risk losing your property June 30, 2025.
In a surprising revelation, Wike disclosed that he revoked the land belonging to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, june 30.
Wike Reveals He Revoked Rochas Okorocha’s Land, Warns Defaulters of Repossession in FCT.
Underscoring his administration’s no-nonsense approach to land management.
Wike’s Bold Statement at PDPNational Secretary’s Birthday
Wike made the startling announcement during the 60th birthday celebration of Samuel Anyanwu.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, held at the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja over the weekend.
Addressing a gathering of prominent politicians including senators and governors.
Wike emphasized that the government would not hesitate to repossess lands where owners default on ground rent payments.
“Rochas Okorocha Is My Boss, But I Revoked His Land”
In a controversial yet candid remark, Wike said, “Rochas Okorocha is here.
He is my boss, even though I revoked his land because the right thing must be done, he is my man.”
This statement not only highlights Wike’s willingness to enforce rules regardless of political status
But also sends a chilling message that no one is above the law not even influential politicians.
Ground Rent Payment: A Non-Negotiable Obligation
Wike stressed that paying ground rent is essential for receiving quality services in the FCT.
He pointed to the massive infrastructural developments by companies like Julius Berger as evidence that progress is tied to financial responsibility.
“Look at what Julius Berger did here, is it by empty hand? It is not by money,” Wike asserted.
“Pay and you will get the best services, and you are getting the best services under the leadership of Tinubu.”
His message was clear: compliance with land policies is mandatory, and the government will enforce it strictly.
A Warning to Politicians and Citizens alike
By publicly naming Okorocha, Wike broke the usual political decorum.
Signaling that his administration will not tolerate favoritism or exemptions.
This bold stance has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the minister’s courage while others see it as political grandstanding.
Wike’s declaration that “I have no apologies because I’m the one here” underscores his readiness to face any backlash in pursuit of enforcing government policies.
Political Undertones and Possible Motivations
Critics argue that Wike’s move against Okorocha’s land might be politically motivated.
Given their history of rivalry within the PDP and Nigerian politics at large.
The public revocation of a former governor’s land raises questions about whether this is a genuine enforcement of policy or a targeted political maneuver.
Others contend that Wike is setting a precedent for accountability.
Signaling a break from the culture of impunity that has long plagued Nigeria’s political elite.
The Bigger Picture: Land Management Challenges in the FCT
Wike’s warning comes amid ongoing concerns about land ownership, rent defaults, and illegal allocations in Abuja.
By enforcing ground rent payments and repossessing defaulted lands.
Wike’s administration aims to restore order and generate revenue for further infrastructural projects.
What this Means for Abuja Residents and Investors
For property owners and investors, Wike’s message is a wake-up call.
Compliance with land policies is no longer optional.
Failure to pay ground rent could result in losing valuable property, disrupting investments and livelihoods.
This tough stance could improve revenue collection and service delivery but may also create tensions among landowners accustomed to lax enforcement.
Wike warns all landowners in Abuja to pay up or face repossession, signaling strict enforcement under President Tinubu’s administration.
Nyesom Wike’s bold move to revoke Rochas Okorocha’s land marks a new era of accountability in Abuja’s land management.
As the FCT tightens ground rent enforcement, property owners must heed the warning or risk losing their holdings.
Wahalaupdate will keep you updated on this unfolding story.
byhjb0