Posted by A malicious, deceptive, and libellous story has surfaced, claiming that the Nigerian Navy was blackmailed into paying Governor Dapo Abiodun N7.5 billion after he “dubiously handed over 100 hectares of land to it.”
Accusations surfaced that Governor Dapo Abiodun, following his public announcement that 100 hectares of land had been transferred to the Nigerian Navy for the purpose of developing the backwater Abigi community through the construction of a naval Forward Operating Base and dockyard, subsequently requested that the Navy cover the cost of the land.
That is just incorrect. The political opponents of the Governor of Ogun State have left their mark on this sour, unfounded, and libellous report in an effort to derail his campaign promises to the state’s voters, who are bewildered by his dogged persistence.
Simply put, the Nigerian Navy sought for land in Ogun State from the State Government after contacting them to express its desire for a base there.
Officials from the State Government, the Navy, and the Bureau of Lands formed a committee to implement the request when it was received. A parcel of 150 ha was requested.
The search for an appropriate plot of land was to be carried out by the Bureau of Lands. Despite the Navy’s request, the Committee could only allot 100 hectares of land.
As per customary procedure, a provisional survey was produced to inform the Governor of the land’s location and the estimated cost of allocation.
Following this, the Bureau of Lands sent a letter estimating the land’s value at N7.5 billion. The land was granted to the Navy ex gratia (free of charge) as part of His Excellency’s exercise of his powers as Governor and in consideration of national security imperatives.
Subsequently, the proper survey plan was carried out, and His Excellency signed a Certificate of Occupancy on the land.
At this very moment, the Abeokuta Land Registry has also recorded the same. Anyone around the world can check it out. To those who doubt us, we say: prove us wrong.
Interestingly, Peoples Gazette attempted to cast Governor Dapo Abiodun as a villain in its inflammatory, erroneously sourced, and twisted story. Abiodun publicly donated land to the Navy, but privately wanted pay for the same territory.
Political mercenaries posing as investigative journalists have pulled off an utterly disgusting con job. This is completely false information, and the public should please put it in the trash.
Respected Kayode Akinmade
MANAGER AND SPECIAL ADVISOR ON MEDIA
The governor of Ogun State