“Land Allocation Scandal: Nyesom Wike Criticizes FCT Politicians Over Distortion Of Abuja Master Plan”

Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, highlighted that the FCT Administration had strategically constructed three terminals—each in the Central Business District, Mabushi, and Kugbo—to enhance commuters’ travel convenience and safety across the territory. However, he pointed out that the designated land in the Central Business District, crucial for a bus terminal where a train track was planned, had been allotted to a member of a political party.

Expressing his dismay, Wike recounted a confrontation with a politician during preparations for the terminal’s inauguration, where the individual lamented having sacrificed and contributed to the party only to face such a setback.

“When we began preparations for the inauguration project last Tuesday, I received a message accusing me of seizing someone’s land, which was surprising,” Wike remarked. “In fact, the message questioned why such suffering after their sacrifices and contributions to the party.”

Further investigation revealed that the area had already been allocated, with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and consent judgment issued between the FCT Administration and the individual, illustrating, as Wike emphasized, the challenges faced in adhering to the FCT Master Plan amidst such distortions.

Wike stressed the significance of Abuja becoming one of the world’s premier cities but lamented its lack of essential infrastructure, such as dedicated bus and taxi terminals. He cited the current practice of vehicle parking and boarding on roads and scattered taxis contributing to heightened insecurity, including incidents involving criminal elements.

In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at reducing insecurity, Wike underscored the necessity of constructing these terminals. He advocated for comprehensive legislation from the National Assembly to regulate taxi and bus operations, enhancing security and facilitating effective city management.

“To tackle insecurity, we’ve approached the National Assembly, explaining that a key challenge lies in identifying operators of taxis and buses in the FCT and their loading locations,” Wike affirmed. “The Renewed Hope Agenda isn’t just about human capital development; it also prioritizes empowering our populace.”

As Abuja strives towards global city status, Wike reiterated the imperative of adhering to urban planning principles and safeguarding the city’s integrity against unauthorized land allocations, promoting a secure and sustainable urban environment.