RSG Tasks Property Owners On Rents …Threatens To Revoke C of Os

The Rivers State Gov
ernment has threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of property owners who fail to pay rent to the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Anugbom Onuoha, stated this when the leadership of the Port Harcourt branch of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.
Onuoha charged Surveyors and Estate Valuers in the state to sensitise their clients about the issue of payment of ground rent as required by the state law.
He explained that people are likely to ask questions when property owners decide not to pay ground rents as at when due.
The SA took time to explain the two types of revocation that could be used against defaulters which entitled them to compensation or otherwise.
“We have two types of revocation, revocation for the overriding public interest which entitles you to compensation.
“Another type of revocation is as a result of breach, you are not entitled to compensation”, he explained.
He, however, called on the visitors to inform their clients to pay within the shortest possible time.
“Some people may claim that there is no notice given to them but if you read your C of O, the governor of a state does not need to give ground rent”, he said.
Responding, the state chairman of NIESV. Elliot Orupabo hailed efforts of the governor on infrastructure development.
He said the institute would partner with the state government to achieve its goals in the area of construction and other civil activities.
“We have come to visit to know how you are faring and to appreciate you so far for the impact you have made during your short period as SA on lands”, he said.

Stories by King Osila