FCT Public Complaints Commission Commissioner urges dialogue, due process, and protection of indigenous communities’ rights as House Committee continues hearing on the longstanding land dispute.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hon. Musa Dikko, has called for an amicable resolution of the long-standing land dispute involving the Nigerian Navy and indigenous communities in the FCT, emphasizing dialogue and due process as the best path to lasting peace.
Hon. Dikko made the appeal during a hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, over a petition alleging criminal trespass, intimidation, unlawful seizure of farmland, and extortion by the Nigerian Navy.
Addressing the Committee, the Commissioner disclosed that the court case relating to the dispute had already been dismissed, clearing the way for lawmakers to continue hearing the petition. He urged the Committee to disregard the Nigerian Navy’s request to discontinue the matter on the grounds of pending litigation.
Dikko explained that the affected residents are indigenous inhabitants who have occupied the land through inheritance long before the creation of the Federal Capital Territory. While acknowledging the importance of development and the vital role of security agencies, he stressed that any acquisition of land must follow due process and protect the rights of the affected communities.
He reiterated that the Public Complaints Commission remains committed to promoting justice, fairness, and peaceful coexistence through dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that the Commission’s primary objective is to prevent conflict while ensuring that the rights of all parties are respected.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, directed the Public Complaints Commission and the Nigerian Navy to appear before the Committee on Monday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. to continue efforts toward reaching a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.
