Atiku Abubakar’s Spokesman, Paul Ibe, Condemns Land Revocation of Col. Ogbebor’s Family by Wike’s FCT Administration
Paul Ibe, the spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the alleged revocation of land belonging to the family of Colonel Paul Osakpamwan Ogbebor (rtd), Nigeria’s first commissioned Army officer, by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration under the leadership of Nyesom Wike.
Ibe emphasized that this action undermines the legacy of Col. Ogbebor and his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s unity.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Ibe criticized what he described as a troubling pattern of land appropriation under Wike’s administration. He expressed deep concern over the growing practice of seizing land from legitimate owners and redistributing it to political allies, government officials, and members of the ruling party.
“The troubling culture of land appropriation that has come to define the current FCT administration under Nyesom Wike is deeply disheartening,” Ibe stated. He went on to highlight the wider implications of such actions, suggesting that they tarnish the reputation of the government and undermine public trust.
“The act of seizing land from rightful owners and redistributing it to friends, family members of government officials, and supporters of the ruling party sends a deeply concerning and disreputable message. It is a dangerous precedent that reflects poorly on the values of fairness and justice,” he said.
Ibe pointed out that the case of Col. Ogbebor, who was a distinguished war veteran and the first commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, was particularly egregious. Col. Ogbebor, who secured the land over four decades ago, is now being denied what he rightfully passed down to his family. Ibe called this action a direct affront to the memory of the late patriot, who had made tremendous sacrifices to preserve Nigeria’s unity.
“The case of the late Col. Paul Osakpamwan Ogbebor (NDA 001), the first commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, who served our nation with unwavering distinction, is an affront to the memory of this patriot,” Ibe declared. “Let us remember that over four decades ago, Ogbebor rightfully secured ownership of the land these unscrupulous individuals now seek to seize from his family.”
Ibe further condemned the revocation as an insult to the Ogbebor family and, by extension, to the nation’s military heroes. He expressed concern that such actions would demoralize both current and future military personnel, suggesting that the sacrifices of those who have fought for the nation’s unity are being dishonored.
“This deplorable act sends a grievous message to the surviving members of the Ogbebor family — that the sacrifices made by their revered patriarch, including his tireless efforts to preserve the unity of our beloved nation, were all in vain,” Ibe lamented. “It is a sobering disincentive to the families of our current military officers, suggesting that the sacrifices made by our heroes, past and present, will ultimately be forgotten and undone.”
Ibe concluded his statement by calling on the FCT administration to reconsider its stance and respect the legacy and sacrifices of Col. Ogbebor. He urged that the government restore the land to the family, honoring the memory of a national hero whose contributions to the country should not be erased or undermined.
The land dispute involving the Ogbebor family has sparked widespread debate, drawing attention to ongoing issues related to land allocation, ownership rights, and the role of government in protecting these rights. Ibe’s statement adds to the growing calls for fairness and respect for the rights of Nigerians, particularly the families of national heroes, in the face of contentious government actions.
