South-East Youths Back FCTA Lands Director, Warn Against Campaign of Calumny

The South East Youths Stakeholders Forum (SEYSF) has thrown its weight behind the Director of Lands, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Chijioke Nwankoeze, accusing unnamed groups of orchestrating what it described as a sustained campaign of calumny, misinformation and baseless allegations against the senior public servant.

The Forum, through its Chairman, Mazi Dr. Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, said it would not allow what it described as attempts to smear the reputation of an official whose responsibilities require strict enforcement of land administration rules and regulations in the nation’s capital.

SEYSF described Nwankoeze as a “professional and perfectionist” who has demonstrated a commitment to due process in the management and allocation of land in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the Forum, the Director’s insistence that established procedures be followed should not be interpreted as misconduct, hostility or an attempt to frustrate legitimate interests.

“We are aware of the responsibilities attached to the office of the Director of Lands, particularly in a city where land administration is a sensitive and highly contentious matter. Anyone occupying such a position must be prepared to enforce regulations and resist practices that undermine proper land administration,” the Forum said.

The youth body also raised questions over activities it said were allegedly associated with the Incorporated Trustees of Dependable Patriot for Nation Building and Transformation Initiatives.

While stopping short of making a definitive finding against the organisation, SEYSF alleged that its activities appeared, in the Forum’s assessment, to be focused on land-related interests despite its presentation as a civil society organisation.

The Forum challenged genuine civil society organisations with complaints against public officials to provide documentary evidence and approach the appropriate government and regulatory authorities rather than resorting to media campaigns and personal attacks.

“Any genuine CSO with legitimate concerns should present verifiable evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to media campaigns, personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations against public officials,” it said.

SEYSF warned that it would resist what it described as attempts to use the language and platform of civil society to intimidate public officials or derail reforms in the FCT.

“We will not stand by and watch individuals or organisations use the platform of civil society to create unnecessary distractions, intimidate public officials or undermine legitimate government reforms,” the statement declared.

The Forum commended the leadership of the FCT Administration for its efforts to restore order, professionalism and accountability in land administration, describing Nwankoeze as a key official in the implementation of the reform agenda of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

It said the administration’s efforts to enforce planning regulations and protect the Abuja Master Plan deserved public support, stressing that orderly land administration remained critical to the sustainable development of the nation’s capital.

SEYSF, however, said its support for the Director should not be interpreted as opposition to accountability.

“We support accountability, transparency and constructive criticism. However, accountability must be based on facts and evidence, not campaigns of calumny designed to damage the reputation of individuals carrying out legitimate official responsibilities,” it said.

The Forum consequently urged members of the public to treat unsupported allegations with caution and called on relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate any complaint against public officials through established legal and administrative channels.

It further appealed to stakeholders in the FCT to support reforms aimed at protecting the Abuja Master Plan, promoting responsible land administration and ensuring that the nation’s capital develops in an orderly and sustainable manner.