Prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) against sealing off foreign embassies over unpaid ground rent, stating that such actions would precipitate a serious diplomatic crisis for Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, Falana emphasized that embassies are protected under international law. "No court of law can order that execution be levied on any embassy, and Nigeria is part of the international community," he stated.
The warning comes in response to recent actions by the FCTA under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, who had ordered the sealing of properties in Abuja over failure to pay ground rent. The controversial exercise had generated significant public outcry, prompting intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
Diplomatic Immunity and International Conventions
Falana highlighted the special status of diplomatic missions, explaining: "Embassies and missions covered by the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations can't be invaded because they have not paid ground rent. If we embark on invading the embassy of any country, it is going to lead to serious diplomatic problems for Nigeria."
The senior advocate further illustrated the extent of diplomatic immunity by noting that "if a policeman is pursuing anybody for committing any offence and the person is able to scale the fence of an embassy, the police officer can't invade the embassy, irrespective of the offence committed."
FCTA's Ground Rent Recovery Exercise
Following the initial wave of property sealings and subsequent presidential intervention, Minister Wike announced a two-week grace period for defaulters to settle their outstanding ground rent obligations. The exercise has been part of the FCTA's efforts to recover unpaid revenues from property owners in the federal capital.
While the administration has been aggressive in pursuing defaulters, Falana's warning specifically addresses the legal and diplomatic implications of extending such measures to foreign diplomatic missions, which enjoy special protections under international law.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between domestic revenue collection efforts and Nigeria's international obligations as a signatory to diplomatic conventions.
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