Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed claims that a land dispute in Abuja led to a confrontation with the Nigerian military.
Wike emphasised that he has always supported the armed forces and holds them in high regard.
Briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja about the recent clash involving him and some military personnel, Wike urged Nigerians to respect the law. He stressed that the government would not tolerate violations of land use regulations or attempts to obstruct officials carrying out their duties.
He further stated that his actions are guided strictly by legal principles, not personal sentiments.
“You are expected to obey lawful directives, not illegal ones. If, for instance, a security aide claims that a superior ordered them to shoot someone, they cannot assume immunity from murder charges simply because the order came from above,” he said.
Read also: Land dispute: Wike in heated argument with soldiers in Abuja
He added, “People face challenges, and we try to resolve them. But intimidation cannot be tolerated, nor can attempts to undermine government authority. Allowing such behavior sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging others to act similarly.”
On allegations of tension with the military, Wike insisted, “I have respect for the armed forces, and I will continue to uphold it. Any suggestion that I am in conflict with the military is unfounded. If I ever had issues, I know the channels to address them be it the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, or even the President. But this case concerns a private individual. The notion that I am at odds with the military is false.”
He said the situation had been exaggerated by those eager to portray him as being at loggerheads with the armed forces.
According to the minister, he only intervened because senior officials of the FCTA had been assaulted while carrying out their duties. “As Minister, I cannot remain passive while my team is attacked,” he said.
Recalling a similar situation involving the police, Wike recounted visiting a site where unauthorized constructions were occurring under a powerline.
His intervention led the Inspector-General of Police to halt the development.
He stressed that the FCT Administration’s primary responsibility is to preserve the integrity of Abuja’s master plan and ensure that all development aligns with approved land use guidelines.
He warned that those who obtained land for agricultural purposes but later converted it into residential or commercial properties without approval would face legal consequences.
“Government cannot operate in a lawless society. Allowing one person to flout regulations encourages impunity. The law must be obeyed, regardless of who is involved,” Wike stated.
The minister highlighted that in previous land ownership disputes involving the military, the FCTA had always engaged the military hierarchy with respect and professionalism.
“Whenever issues involve the military, I know the proper channels be it the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, or the President. We resolve matters institutionally, not through confrontation,” he said.
Wike also criticised media reports suggesting that his actions targeted security agencies, urging journalists to verify facts and avoid sensationalism. “Report accurately. Conduct proper investigative journalism. Don’t misrepresent statements or take comments out of context,” he said.
He drew parallels to his tenure as Rivers State governor, recalling instances where he personally intervened to prevent security operatives from violating citizens’ rights. He said his current approach reflects a commitment to lawful governance.
Addressing accusations of high-handedness, Wike said, “Some misunderstand my determination to uphold what is right. Leadership often requires tough decisions that may not please everyone. You cannot satisfy everyone, even in your own household. But when your conscience is clear, you stand firm.”
The minister reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring order to the nation’s capital.
He promised uncompromising enforcement against illegal developments, land grabbing, and violations of the Abuja master plan. “As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will prevail. Abuja must reflect Nigeria’s image disciplined, planned, and lawful,” he declared.
Read also: Meet Yerima, Navy officer who clashed with Wike
Earlier in the week, a video emerged showing that the standoff arose from a disagreement over the ownership of a plot of land in Gaduwa District in Abuja, guarded by armed naval officers led by Yerima, who was said to be acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
Wike had accused the ex-naval chief of illegally seizing the land, as seen in a video obtained by BusinssDay which showed the FCT minister confronting the officer.
