Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor, widow of the late Colonel Paul Ogbebor, has stated that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, was merely a teenager when her husband contributed significantly to the development of the FCT.
She made this assertion during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged seizure of her late husband’s properties.
At the center of the dispute is land linked to Paulosa Nigeria Ltd, an estate management company owned by the Ogbebor family. FCT Minister Wike has been accused of land grabbing, including attempting to confiscate land reportedly belonging to the company.
Speaking passionately, Mrs. Ogbebor rejected the idea of appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter, emphasizing her dignity and principles. “I am not saying the President should know me, but the people, the leaders, who surround and advise the President should know people like us, who oil the wheel of progress in this country,” she said.
She expressed her disappointment that individuals with influence have failed to act decisively. “When there is a problem like this, they should intervene, and if it is above them, they should take it to the President,” she stated.
Recalling her husband’s contributions to the creation of Abuja, Mrs. Ogbebor highlighted his pivotal role in shaping the city. “My husband was one of those who built Abuja; they gave him a piece of land to work as an engineer. He brought people from all over the world to work with him. Now, after 42 years, they want to demolish it and give it to Chinda? Who is Chinda?”
Criticizing the individuals involved in the dispute, she pointed out their youth and lack of involvement during Abuja’s formative years. “If you take Chinda’s age today and the period we have been here, Chinda was only 14 years old. And so is Wike. Is that not belittling of me at the age of 84, to go and meet the President, ‘Mr. President, someone in my country is demolishing my house?’ No. I would rather die,” she declared.Mrs. Ogbebor’s comments accentuate her determination to defend her late husband’s legacy and protect the properties associated with his contributions to the nation.
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