Seizing Col. Ogbebor’s Land Is Disheartening

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, has condemned the alleged revocation of land belonging to Nigeria’s first commissioned Army officer, Colonel Paul Osakpamwan Ogbebor (rtd), by Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration.

Paul Ibe noted that it would be a disservice to the reputation of the first Nigerian Army officer and the sacrifices he made to keep the country united.

In a statement on his X handle, Atiku’s aide pointed out that under Wike as FCT Minister, there was a troubling culture of land appropriation.

“The troubling culture of land appropriation that has come to define the current FCT administration under Nyesom Wike is deeply disheartening.

“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.

“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. 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 said.

He called on the FCT administration to respect the sacrifices of Col. Ogbebor. He added that seizing the land of the family would be a dishonour to late heroes of the country.

“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. 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 added.