The spokesman for Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Lere Olayinka, has criticized Senator Ireti Kingibe’s views on how the FCT is enforcing ground rent payments.

Senator Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate and belongs to the Labour Party, disagreed with the FCT’s action of sealing properties. She said the move was illegal.

She explained that while paying taxes is important, property owners who do not pay ground rent should not have their properties taken away without proper legal reason.

In response, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Communications, Lere Olayinka, said the senator does not understand the Land Use Act.

Olayinka described Kingibe’s comments on ground rent enforcement as unreasonable. He pointed out that when land is allocated, there are rules that must be followed.

One of these rules is that landowners must pay ground rent every year, even if they do not get a reminder notice.

He also warned Kingibe not to use the ground rent issue for cheap political gain.

Olayinka expressed surprise that a senator, whose role is to make laws, would be unaware of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

He quoted the law, which says the government can take back land if the landowner breaks any terms in the Certificate of Occupancy.

He asked if paying ground rent every year is not one of the terms listed in the Certificate of Occupancy.

Olayinka challenged Kingibe, asking if she would ignore it if landowners refused to pay rent for 10 to 43 years, especially if she was the FCT minister.

Earlier, the FCT Administration began reclaiming 4,794 properties because the owners did not pay ground rent. The total unpaid amount is more than 6 billion Naira.

However, President Bola Tinubu gave those who owe ground rent 14 days to pay their debts and any penalties before any further action is taken.