News
Umahi rules out compensation for bare land owners
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/images-2024-07-24T132256.238.jpeg&description=Umahi rules out compensation for bare land owners', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/images-2024-07-24T132256.238.jpeg&description=Umahi rules out compensation for bare land owners', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reiterated that the Federal Government does not compensate for bare lands, adding that all lands belong to the government.
He disclosed this at the inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 1 at kilometre 18, Okun Ajah axis, recently.
He said, “Go and read the law; there is no compensation for bare land. All land belongs to the government. Hence, if you are taking what belongs to you, you do not pay compensation; it is the president that directed that anywhere we see a shanty on our corridor, we should pay compensation; it is a kind of human meekness from the president towards the people. We broke no law.
“So, where there is no infrastructure on land, they have to write to Mr. President for a direction on that.”
In an interview with The Punch, the General Secretary, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Lagos Chapter, Folusho Ogunrinde, said land was undeniably an asset whether owned by individuals, businesses, or the government.
He said, “Governments recognise the value of land as an asset and manage it as such. For instance, you cannot encroach on government-owned land for development because it is considered part of their assets.
Similarly, individuals and private entities acquire land either through inheritance, purchase, or investment. When such land is taken away, the argument that compensation should only be for developments and not the land itself is fundamentally flawed. It disregards the asset’s intrinsic value and how it was acquired.
“The 99-year lease system in Nigeria further underscores the value of land as an asset, as this lease is renewable. If governments require compensation for the renewal of a lease or when public use necessitates land acquisition, individuals and private owners deserve similar recognition and compensation for their land when expropriated.
“The law, as it stands, needs urgent redress. The idea that landowners should not be compensated for their land is, frankly, unjust and tantamount to fraud. Land is more than a physical space; it is an economic and generational asset. To deny compensation for it is to undermine the principles of equity and justice. Hence, there is a need for a review of the Land Use Act and constitutional provisions to align with the realities of land as a critical and valuable asset.”
In a similar vein, the Team Lead, Arbitration, Maritime, and Real Estate Practice Group, Stren & Blan Partners, Joseph Siyaidon, posited that non-payment of compensation on bare land was unconstitutional.
He said, “The Land Use Act is merely an existing Act and not part of the Constitution. We humbly submit that the provisions of the Land Use Act, which limit the payment of compensation for private properties compulsorily acquired by the government to only unexhausted improvements on the land, are unconstitutional in that they violate the provisions of Sections 43 & 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which extends the right of compensation to all immovable properties, bare lands included.”
Umahi disclosed that the first phase of the coastal highway will be completed by May 29, 2025.
He said, “By May 29 we are facing the commissioning, and we have directed all the comptrollers of works that, by the end of April, every comptroller of works in all the states must give us a minimum of three projects that Mr. President is going to commission.
“From Channel 0, we are going to be commissioning the first 20 kilometres; however, another 10 kilometres would be ready at the end of the project within this period, but we are not commissioning that one, it is going to be phase 2 of section 1 for commissioning. Generally, across the country, we are going to be commissioning projects in phases.”
Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Road Design, Engr. Musa Saidi, assured that the highway construction adheres to approved specifications and includes additional measures for durability. Any realignment is for public interest, safety, and economic reasons,” he said.
By Gloria Ikibah
Fresh political manoeuvring has emerged within the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) following the endorsement of Bauchi-born development economist and politician, makindeDr Ibrahim Waziri, as a preferred presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development has added a new layer of intrigue to the party’s presidential calculations, particularly amid growing speculation that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, may seek the party’s ticket for the next presidential contest.
At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders, supporters and political associates from more than 30 states, Waziri secured the backing of participants who adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 race.
The endorsement is understood to have received significant support from influential party figures across the 19 Northern states, strengthening Waziri’s position within the emerging contest for the party’s presidential nomination.
The move is expected to reshape internal discussions within the APM, with supporters of the Bauchi politician arguing that his profile, experience and national network place him in a strong position to lead the party into the next election cycle.
Isa Mohammed a party member backing Waziri maintained that he enjoys considerable political goodwill across different regions of the country and possesses the capacity to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of 2027.
“Makinde’s support is restricted to Oyo and Osun states only where he was pronounced as presidential candidate
“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim is receiving the support of politicians that matter in Nigeria who are all positioned to take over power in 2027,” Mohammed said.
He further expressed confidence that Waziri would eventually secure official recognition as the party’s presidential candidate.
“He is certain that his name will be officially recognised as the authentic APM presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election by the INEC,” he added.
A veteran politician from Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said “Waziri is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was active during the Third Republic and participated in the historic 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential primaries in Jos, which produced the late Chief MKO Abiola as the party’s candidate”.
Supporters describe him as a grassroots politician with decades of political experience, having also sought elective offices including governor and senator at different periods of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Beyond politics, Waziri is known in business and technology circles as one of the pioneers of indigenous computer and telecommunications enterprises in Nigeria. He studied Political Economy, Accounting, Software and Data Processing in the United States and holds a doctorate degree in Political Economy.
His profile received further prominence recently following his installation as Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi by the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu.
In adopting Waziri, the stakeholders cited what they described as his extensive experience in governance, economic management and nation-building.
According to them, the challenges confronting Nigeria require leadership with a clear focus on security, poverty reduction, national unity and institutional reforms.
They said Waziri’s proposed agenda prioritises “National Security, Poverty Alleviation, National Unity and Democratic Accountability,” areas they believe are critical to the country’s future stability and development.
The endorsement is likely to deepen internal discussions within the APM as party stakeholders continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Attempts to reach key figures across different camps within the party, including individuals believed to be associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported presidential aspirations, did not yield any response before press time.
Although political parties are yet to commence their formal presidential nomination processes, the latest development highlights the growing contest for influence, relevance and strategic positioning among potential contenders.
The move also reflects the increasing pace of political consultations and alliance-building taking place across party lines as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.
Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.
While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.
He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.
Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.
The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.
However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.
“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.
“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.
“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”
APM 2027 Race Takes Dramatic Turn as Waziri Gains Edge Over Makinde
Three years after : Senator Manu’s unequalled constituency outreach that cuts across Taraba Central (Photos )
AKPABIO’S THREE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE AND IMPACTFUL LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
-
News21 hours agoMy Nasty Experience With Police During June 12 Struggle, How I was Detained Over the Word Charade in my Release – Hon TeeJay Yusuf
-
News24 hours agoProtect Nigeria’s Future, Bring Back Our Children and Teachers.
-
Sports7 hours agoJust in: Thomas Partey to miss Ghana’s World Cup opening match
-
News21 hours ago*Let’s repeat the 1993 credible election in 2027 — Peter Obi demands on June 12
-
Metro7 hours agoSad democracy Day as bandits kill 17 farmers in Zamfara
-
Entertainment8 hours ago“Do Not Ever Use My Music” – Ariana Grande Slams The White House For Using Her Song
-
News8 hours ago2027: We’re Focused On Taking Aso Rock – NDC Dismisses ‘Crisis’ Reports
-
Entertainment7 hours agoVeteran Nollywood Actor Is Dead
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login