The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has spoken out regarding his recent altercation with a naval officer over a disputed plot of land reportedly associated with a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Addressing journalists on Thursday ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike criticized what he described as the “audacity” of the retired naval officer for allegedly deploying serving naval personnel to secure the contested property.
The minister, reacting to public discussions surrounding his presence at the site, defended his decision to intervene, stating that as a public officer, it was his responsibility to act whenever government officials came under threat while performing their duties.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he questioned.
According to reports by Verily News, tension flared on Tuesday when Wike, accompanied by his team, clashed with some soldiers at the Gaduwa district site in Abuja. The dispute centered on a piece of land allegedly being developed illegally.
Wike claimed that the retired naval chief had commenced unauthorized construction activities on the property and that staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), who attempted to enforce a stop-work order, were assaulted by armed personnel guarding the area.
Speaking further on Thursday, Wike, who previously served as governor of Rivers State, condemned the use of military officers to obstruct lawful FCT enforcement operations, describing it as a misuse of influence and power.
“Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, will simply call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it.
“That is a former head of state, a former elected president, who has the courtesy to call the minister, ‘we have this problem, see how you can look into it?’ General T.Y. Danjuma will call you. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. They just call,” Wike said.
The minister maintained that the rule of law must prevail in land administration within the Federal Capital Territory, warning that no individual, regardless of status, would be allowed to use military might or personal influence to override government authority.
Wike also reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Abuja’s land management process, emphasizing that every allocation or development within the city must comply strictly with existing regulations.
What You Should Know
Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been at the forefront of enforcing urban development rules in Abuja since assuming office.
His recent confrontation with a naval officer centers on a land dispute in the Gaduwa district, allegedly tied to a retired naval chief. The incident sparked public debate after reports showed armed personnel confronting FCT officials during enforcement operations.
Wike insists that military involvement in civil matters is “unacceptable” and reiterated that no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law in matters concerning Abuja’s land administration.
