Tinubu Pauses Abuja Seizures as Momodu Slams Wike’s Crackdown
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing controversy surrounding the mass sealing of properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), granting a 14-day grace period to defaulters of ground rent. The move comes amid mounting public backlash and political tension over the enforcement actions spearheaded by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under Wike’s directive, had begun sealing over 4,000 properties many of which are owned by major institutions and political organizations for failure to pay ground rent for up to four decades. Among those affected were prominent entities such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices, Access Bank, TotalEnergies, and Ibro Hotel.
In response to public outcry and political concerns, President Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of the enforcement drive. He directed the FCTA to give property owners a two-week window to settle their outstanding ground rents and associated penalties.
“This intervention is to ensure fairness and to allow affected individuals and organizations the opportunity to comply before further actions are taken,” a State House official said.
The President’s move was widely welcomed as a balancing act between regulatory enforcement and responsible governance.
Reacting to the President’s decision, Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former presidential aspirant, praised Tinubu for showing leadership and stepping in to calm tensions. However, Momodu did not hold back in his criticism of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of acting beyond his powers.
“Wike is behaving like Nigeria’s co-president,” Momodu remarked, arguing that Wike’s aggressive approach to governance in the FCT needed to be checked.
“President Tinubu’s action was not only timely but necessary to rein in what could have escalated into a political crisis.”
Despite the intervention, the FCTA has defended its initial actions, stating that they are legally justified and necessary for revenue generation. It also detailed the penalties now imposed on defaulters based on property location. Properties in the Central Area will attract a fine of N5 million, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will be fined N3 million. Properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will incur a penalty of N2 million. These fines are in addition to any outstanding ground rent owed.
The FCTA also reminded property owners to obtain Ministerial Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment, or risk further penalties.
Minister Wike has urged all property owners in Abuja to take advantage of the grace period to regularize their documentation and settle their debts, emphasizing that the funds are essential for ongoing infrastructure and development projects in the FCT.
“Government services must be paid for. Development cannot proceed when people sit on public assets without fulfilling their obligations,” Wike said.
President Tinubu’s decision to pause the property revocations in Abuja demonstrates a willingness to balance strict governance with public accountability. As stakeholders navigate the 14-day grace period, all eyes remain on the FCTA and affected property owners to see how this temporary reprieve will shape future enforcement.
