The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, defended his decision to hire Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) instead of relying on FCT Administration lawyers during court proceedings.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on FCT and the House Committee on FCT while presenting the administration’s 2024 statutory budget proposal, Wike justified his lack of confidence in the current legal team.
Wike revealed his shock upon discovering endemic land racketeering in Abuja, with a syndicate collaborating with FCT lawyers in court.
He expressed embarrassment over the lawyers’ consistent losses in simple land cases, especially considering the administration faces over one thousand five hundred land cases monthly.
The Minister emphasized his determination not to allow FCT Administration lawyers to represent the government in any court regarding land cases.
He highlighted concerns about directors in the Land Department participating in arbitrary land allocations, leading to legal disputes.
Wike cited an example where a director granted 500 hectares of land to a company, only for the company to collude with FCT lawyers to obtain a judgment against the administration.
He described the situation as “terrible” and reiterated his commitment to address such malpractices within the system.
