SOUTH-EAST YOUTH FORUM DEFENDS FCTA LANDS DIRECTOR, DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS

The South-East Youths Stakeholders Forum has thrown its support behind the Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Chijioke Nwankoeze, rejecting allegations levelled against the official as unfounded claims aimed at damaging his reputation.

The forum, through its Chairman, Mazi Dr Ezenwa A. A. Onyirimba, described Nwankoeze as a professional who has remained committed to enforcing due process in the administration and allocation of land within the Federal Capital Territory.

The group argued that the director's insistence on compliance with established land administration procedures should not be interpreted as misconduct or an attempt to frustrate legitimate interests.

According to the stakeholders, land administration in Abuja is a sensitive area that requires officials occupying strategic positions to enforce regulations and resist practices capable of undermining proper planning and development.

The forum said it was concerned about what it described as attempts to use allegations and media campaigns to distract the FCTA official from carrying out his responsibilities.

It therefore called on organisations with genuine complaints against public officials to present verifiable evidence to the appropriate government and regulatory authorities instead of relying on what it described as personal attacks or unsubstantiated accusations

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The youth stakeholders also warned against using civil society platforms to intimidate public officials or frustrate reforms being implemented in the nation's capital.

They commended the FCT Administration for efforts to improve professionalism, order and accountability in land administration, describing Nwankoeze as an important figure in the implementation of the reform agenda of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The forum stressed that enforcing planning regulations and protecting the Abuja Master Plan were essential to ensuring the orderly and sustainable development of the Federal Capital Territory.

It, however, clarified that its defence of the Director of Lands should not be interpreted as opposition to accountability or constructive criticism.

The group maintained that public officials should be held accountable where credible evidence exists, but insisted that such accountability must be based on facts rather than allegations designed to damage an individual's reputation.

SEYSF further urged members of the public to exercise caution when confronted with allegations against government officials and encouraged complainants to use established legal and administrative channels.

The forum also called on stakeholders in the FCT to support initiatives aimed at protecting the Abuja Master Plan, strengthening land administration and promoting responsible development across the capital.