FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe Decries Illegal Sealing of Properties Over Ground Rent

FCT…….In a strong public statement that challenges recent enforcement actions by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Senator Ireti Kingibe has denounced the sealing of properties in Abuja over ground rent defaults as illegal and unconstitutional. The Labour Party Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emphasized that while tax enforcement is crucial, it must not contravene legal frameworks or infringe upon citizens’ rights.

Her remarks follow a controversial directive from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who ordered the sealing of various properties, including the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), due to alleged non-payment of ground rent. The directive has drawn criticism not only from political circles but also from civil rights groups and affected residents who argue that the approach lacks legal basis and compassion, especially amid ongoing economic challenges.

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Ground Rent Dispute Highlights Legal Loopholes

Senator Kingibe’s intervention casts a spotlight on a longstanding legal and administrative issue concerning ground rent enforcement. Ground rent is a statutory fee charged on land granted under the Lands (Title Vesting, etc.) Act of 1975 and governed primarily by the Land Use Act. While non-payment may attract penalties, Kingibe stresses that the law does not permit the seizure or sealing of property as a first resort.

She stated emphatically: “The penalty for such default is, by law, limited to a fine or surcharge, not the compulsory taking over or sealing of the property without recourse to the due process prescribed under Section 42 of the Land Use Act and other relevant provisions.” This clarification calls into question the legitimacy of the Minister’s enforcement actions, many of which, according to affected property owners, were carried out without proper notice or legal proceedings.

Even more concerning is the fact that President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered a 14-day grace period for all affected property owners, directing that the sealed properties be reopened to allow for compliance. However, as of the time of Kingibe’s statement, this directive remains unimplemented by the FCT administration under Wike’s leadership.

Senator Kingibe Pledges Legislative Action

Standing firm on her mandate to protect the rights of FCT residents, Senator Kingibe reassured constituents that she is taking proactive steps to rectify the situation. “As the elected Senator of the Federal Capital Territory, I cannot, and will not, stand idly by while residents are subjected to enforcement practices that contravene established laws and compound their suffering,” she declared.

Kingibe emphasized the need for legal adherence and urged that any enforcement actions must be grounded in transparent, just, and procedural frameworks. She acknowledged the importance of property regulation and taxation but insisted that these must not be wielded as tools of oppression or economic sabotage. She expressed her concern that sudden and indiscriminate property seizures could exacerbate the economic burden faced by already struggling households and businesses.

She further warned that these actions risk destabilizing the delicate socio-economic fabric of the FCT by undermining livelihoods and eroding public trust in governance. In response, she pledged to engage relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly and judicial authorities, to explore legislative solutions that would curb abuse of power and restore faith in due process.

Calls for Calm and Civic Responsibility

Senator Kingibe concluded her address with a call for calm among residents and business owners. Acknowledging the rising frustration and uncertainty, she advised all affected parties to remain law-abiding and to trust in the legislative and legal processes underway. “Please rest assured that this matter is being addressed with the seriousness it deserves. We are committed to ensuring that dialogue, justice, and due process prevail,” she assured.

As public attention intensifies on the dispute, observers await further developments and a possible response from the FCT Minister. Whether the sealing of properties will be reversed remains to be seen, but Senator Kingibe’s bold stance underscores a growing demand for accountability and fairness in the enforcement of government regulations.