By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent confrontation with a naval officer over a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike criticised what he described as the retired naval chief’s “audacity” in deploying serving naval personnel to guard the contested property.
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Defending his decision to visit the site personally despite public criticism, the minister maintained that he could not sit idly by while government officials were attacked in the line of duty.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials — directors, for instance — are being attacked and beaten up? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” Wike asked.
Stonix News reports that tensions flared on Tuesday when Wike, accompanied by his entourage, confronted some military personnel over the disputed land located in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
The minister alleged that the retired naval officer was carrying out unauthorised development on the site and had ordered the assault of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff who attempted to halt the construction.
Addressing the incident further, the former Rivers State governor condemned the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement actions by FCT officials, describing it as a blatant abuse of power.
“Many influential Nigerians have faced similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Head of State and President, would simply call me. He’d say, ‘Minister, I have a problem with this land, can you help?’ And I’ll resolve it.
“That’s a former Head of State, a former elected President, who has the courtesy to call the minister.
“General T.Y. Danjuma also calls when necessary. They never send soldiers to attack anyone. They just make a call,” Wike explained.
The minister clarified that the confrontation should not be misinterpreted as a conflict between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian military, noting that if it were, he would have formally written to the military hierarchy for clarification.
He emphasised that all parties must adhere strictly to due process and respect the government’s approved land allocations.
Wike reiterated his respect for all government institutions, including the armed forces, stressing that his intervention at the site was solely to restore order and ensure that the rule of law was upheld.
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