Wike, Naval Officer Exchange Words Over Disputed Land in Abuja
….As FCT Minister vows to resist military intimidation, insists no one is above the law
A dramatic confrontation occurred on Tuesday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clashed with naval officers guarding a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja. The property, identified as Plot 1946, is allegedly linked to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).
Wike, who paid an unscheduled visit to the site, expressed outrage after learning that officials of the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.
Upon arrival, the minister’s convoy was reportedly blocked by a naval truck, with the soldiers—led by Lt. A.M. Yarima—denying him access to the fenced property.
According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, the land in question was neither allocated by the FCT Administration nor covered by any valid title or building approval.
Despite Wike’s insistence on inspecting the site, the soldiers refused to back down. Tension heightened when Lt. Yarima claimed he was acting on orders “from above.”
An irate Wike demanded to know who issued the order, but the officer retorted, “Sir, you cannot tell me to keep quiet. I am a commissioned officer.” When the minister called his conduct disrespectful, the soldier shot back, “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one.”
The heated exchange ended abruptly as Wike turned away in anger and left the scene.
Speaking later, the minister condemned the use of armed personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement duties.
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“Our land departments and Development Control officials have been directed to clamp down on illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT,” Wike said. “When this matter came to my attention, I ordered that no activity should continue on that land since there were no legal documents or urban planning approvals. I was shocked to hear that soldiers chased away our officers.”
Wike decried what he described as an attempt by a former high-ranking military officer to use soldiers for intimidation, stressing that such behaviour undermines the rule of law.
“I don’t understand how someone who once held such an exalted office cannot come to the FCT Minister to clarify his position, but instead deploys soldiers to harass government officials. I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he said.
The minister added that no land documents or building approvals were produced when requested, emphasizing that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
“What happens to ordinary citizens who have no military backing? We cannot allow impunity to continue,” he queried.
Wike disclosed that he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation but to uphold the law. The same enforcement standards applied in other parts of Abuja will be applied here. No one, not even a former service chief, is above the law,” he maintained.
The FCT Administration, under Wike, has in recent months intensified crackdowns on land racketeering and illegal developments, demolishing several noncompliant properties across the city.
Also present at the scene was the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, who witnessed the tense encounter.
By PRNigeria
