Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his administration's methods of enforcing ground rent payments, declaring that sealing or revoking properties solely for non-payment of ground rent is illegal.

The senator's remarks come in response to the Federal Capital Territory Administration's (FCTA) recent revocation of over 4,700 properties whose owners allegedly failed to pay ground rent for decades.

"The Land Use Act indicated that 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," Kingibe stated.

On Monday, the FCTA began sealing affected properties, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) building, the Peoples Democratic Party's secretariat, and Ibro Hotels, among others. The enforcement action was halted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's intervention, who granted defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle their outstanding payments.

Senator Kingibe condemned what she described as "indiscriminate and sometimes abrupt sealing of properties," arguing that such actions are often executed without proper notice or adherence to legal procedures.

"These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT," she added.

The senator emphasized that while enforcement of regulations and tax obligations is necessary, such actions must be carried out within the bounds of legality, fairness, and with sensitivity to current economic realities faced by residents.

"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," Kingibe declared.

She assured FCT residents that she is actively engaging with relevant authorities and exploring legislative avenues to ensure enforcement actions align with the rule of law, fairness, and compassion.

The senator called on all residents and business owners to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.