‘Emergency Corn Eaters’ Can’t Deceive You Again, Wike Tells FCT Residents, Promises CofO For Indigenous Lands

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged that indigenous communities in Abuja will soon receive Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) for their ancestral lands, a move aimed at resolving decades of uncertainty over land ownership in the territory.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday during a thank-you visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) following the recent area council elections. He also expressed appreciation to residents for their support and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to grassroots development under Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The pledge followed an appeal by traditional leaders, led by the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, who commended ongoing development in the Federal Capital Territory while urging the government to address land allocation issues and safeguard indigenous settlements.

Responding, Wike assured the communities that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would protect ancestral lands and issue Certificates of Occupancy to indigenous residents to guarantee security of tenure.

He added that the government would continue engaging communities directly to ensure balanced and inclusive development across AMAC and the wider FCT.

Addressing a gathering of stakeholders, youth groups, traditional rulers and political leaders, the minister said President Tinubu had directed him to maintain close engagement with residents and restore confidence in governance across the territory.

“I remember vividly when I came for the town hall meeting at a time insecurity was high and people had lost hope,” Wike said. “I told you then that Mr President asked me to come and interact with you and assure you that hope would return. Today, we are seeing that hope restored.”

Wike also recalled that during earlier engagements with residents, each area council was asked to nominate projects that could be completed within the first six months of the administration. According to him, Saburi Road—nominated by AMAC—has since been completed and commissioned.

“You asked for Saburi Road. To the glory of God, that road has been commissioned. Relationship must not be one-sided. You do for me, I do for you. When you fulfil your part, government must fulfil its own,” he said.

The minister stressed that under the Tinubu administration, the FCT would no longer have leaders who are distant from the people.
“The President does not want a Minister of FCT who will sit in the office without knowing what the people of Ketti want, what the people of Kabusa want, what the people of Wasa or Saburi want. Governance must be about direct engagement,” he said.
He also cautioned residents against politicians who only identify with communities during election periods.
“Never again should politicians deceive you. Some people never visited certain communities while in office but suddenly become emergency corn eaters when they need votes. We must distinguish between those who are sincere and those who are not,” Wike added.

Wike further assured traditional rulers that the administration would address land disputes and prevent the unfair displacement of indigenous residents.
Earlier, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu thanked the minister for his support before and during the council elections, describing it as crucial to the council’s victory.

The Sapeyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, also commended the minister for noticeable development projects across the FCT and expressed optimism about continued collaboration with the government.