By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has distance himself from the claim by some online media platforms accusing him of allocating 2,082 hectares of farm land to his son, describing such allegation as another falsehood from those who have positioned themselves to always malign him.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka explained that how is it possible for one to even get a farm land measuring 2,082 hectares in Asokoro and Maitama as claimed by the fake reports.
He described those behind the publications as quack journalists lacking basic training in journalism, clarifying that not even a single plot of land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children.
The FCT Minister’s Spokesperson challenged the online publisher of what he described as malicious and bitterness painted publication to provide evidence of any land allocation bearing the name of any of the Minister’s children.
The statement read; “My attention has been drawn to yet, another malicious falsehood coming from the same elements whose job is to defame and malign the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Even though it is the right of the Minister and members of his family, both immediate and extended to own lands anywhere in Nigeria, including the FCT, provided all necessary conditions are met, no land has been allocated to any of his children.
“In the publication, a Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) issued to JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, for Agricultural purpose was the only evidence used to justify the claim.
“For the avoidance of doubt, JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, a company duly registered in Nigeria got land allocation in Bwari Area Council for the purpose of farming.
“So what’s is wrong with a farmer getting land allocation strictly for the purpose of agriculture?
“Therefore, the publication, claiming that the FCT Minister allocated 2,082 hectares of land to his son, is false and should be disregarded.”
