The ongoing confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and military officials has taken a new twist as fresh details emerge about the land dispute at the heart of the controversy.
The Land Scam Revelation
Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on publicity and communications to Minister Wike, has provided crucial information about the disputed land in Mabushi, Abuja. According to Olayinka, the land was originally allocated in 2007 specifically for park and recreation purposes and was never intended for commercial or residential development.
The minister's aide explained during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily programme on Wednesday, November 12, that the initial allocation went to Santos Estate Limited. However, the company could not develop the property because the area was designated as a parkway, meaning no physical structures like residential buildings were permitted.
Unauthorized Land Sale Exposed
Olayinka revealed that despite the land use restrictions, Santos Estate Limited applied for a change of land use from park to commercial in 2022. The FCT Administration rejected this request, maintaining that the area must remain as designated for public use.
In a surprising turn of events, the company proceeded to partition the land and sold portions to private individuals, including former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd). This transaction occurred despite the lack of approval from the FCT authorities.
Military Influence Allegations
The minister's spokesperson strongly criticized the retired naval officer's approach to the situation. "Rather than seeking proper channels for resolution, he resorted to military might," Olayinka stated, emphasizing that Gambo had fallen victim to a scam.
Olayinka further clarified that the former naval chief lacks both an approved building plan and valid title documents for the contested property. The land remains designated for corporate and public buildings, not private residences as attempted by the purchasers.
The controversy has drawn reactions from various quarters, including former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, who expressed concerns about Minister Wike's treatment of a military officer in uniform. However, the FCT Administration maintains that proper land use regulations must be enforced regardless of the individuals involved.
