Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike is riding another controversy following allegations of land grab in the nation’s capital.
Politician and Niger Delta activist Rita Lori Ogbebor, has raised an alarm about Wike’s attempt to take over her late husband’s property located in the Life Camp area of Abuja.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is threatening to take over the 42-year-old estate valued at about N3.5 billion, which was originally developed by late Col. Paul Ogbebor.
It was alleged that the certificate of occupancy has been revoked and awarded to a company with links to Mr. Wike and a member of the House of Reps.
During the week the FCDA approached the estate with bulldozers with intent of pulling houses down, but the residents including foreigners blocked the entrance with their cars and bodies.
Speaking on the issue Rita Lori Ogbebor insisted that respect must be accorded to her late husband who served in the Nigerian army and the piece of land was allocated to him 42 years ago during the formative days of Abuja based on his contributions to national development.
“What I want is, first, Nigerians to know that people should be paid and respected for the contributions they’ve given to this country, not about the money and position,” said the Octogenarian who is also title holder in the Warri kingdom.
“My husband went to Abuja and worked there. He wasn’t a land grabber. My husband was among those whose sweat contributed in building the Abuja we have today. He gave people hope to come to Abuja. He never collected any land. My husband got his land rightfully like any other Nigerian.”
She called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the matter adding that Wike’s land grab ought be probed.
“I’m asking all Nigerians to probe Wike. Enough is enough in this country. “I challenge Mr. President, whose name is being used and polluted, that he must probe Wike.”
