Land - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jan, Thu, 2025

Land commissioner defends state in court

315 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Niger Commissioner for Land and Survey, Mr Maurice Magaji, on Wednesday appeared in Minna High Court 2 to defend the state government in a land case.

He disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his appearance in the court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case involved the state government’s interest in acquiring land around Gurara community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the land is situated at the Gurara waterfall, which is to be developed into a world-class resort.

“There are many cases on our table, and my active participation will help expedite the resolution process.

“As a lawyer, I will continue to appear in court when necessary, defending the government and ensuring that we meet the expectations of our people.”

The case was filed by eight plaintiffs from Gurara community in Nov. 2024 against the state governor and commissioner as the first and second defendants.

Magaji added that his presence in court was necessitated by the paucity of lawyers handling cases for the ministry and also to encourage the counsels to put in their best.

“Today, I appeared in court to advocate for the state on this matter of land acquisition.

“My appearance is not just because of the limited number of lawyers we have but also to boost the morale of our legal team and ensure that cases are handled with the utmost commitment,” he said.

The commissioner emphasised that his decision to personally appear in court was aimed at strengthening the ministry’s defense in critical land matters.

Magaji further stated that this proactive step would occasionally involve him directly participating in court proceedings as it involves the ministry.

He noted that his role as commissioner goes beyond administrative duties such as treating files, adding that he intended to actively defend the state’s interests in court.

Magaji further noted that the ministry was grappling with numerous unresolved legal cases, some of which have dragged on for years.

According to him, this is about being proactive and ensuring that we do not allow cases to linger indefinitely.”(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Thu, 2024

General News

Buhari once rejected land offer during his tenure- Garba Shehu

216 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected an offer of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his tenure.

Buhari’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He was reacting to reports that a piece of land belonging to the former president was seized by the FCT authorities.

” As a person, the former president has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he said.

Shehu said Buhari rejected the offer of land when he and his cabinet members were invited to fill forms for allocation.

He said the former president had insisted he already had land in the FCT and asked the authorities to give to those who did not have.

” President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name a “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” he stated.

Shehu said the foundation was itself floated lawfully by some ‘utilitarian individuals’ around Buhari.

The foundation, he added, was supported by some well-meaning persons.

He said the promoters of the foundation, however, ran into a ” road block” when the Federal Capital Development Authority gave them an ”outrageous” bill for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.

Shehu said the bill did not compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

” It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of land as no surprise to anyone,” he said.

He urged those engaging in speculations on social media to ”get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz