By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A tense confrontation occurred in Abuja on Tuesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, clashed with military officers during an inspection of an alleged illegal construction site in the Gaduwa District of the capital city.
The incident took place along the corridor of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, where Wike and his team, including the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, were inspecting an unauthorised building project reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
According to the FCT Administration, naval officers at the site obstructed the minister and his delegation, claiming to be acting on orders from the former naval chief, who was allegedly carrying out construction without the necessary title documents or development approval.
Visibly angered by the confrontation, Wike vowed to stop all illegal constructions across the FCT, regardless of the personalities involved.
“The way we have carried out our job in other areas is the same way it will be done here. He will not carry out this illegal development and land grabbing simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow that,” the minister declared.
Speaking with journalists after the incident, Wike described the obstruction as “an act of lawlessness” and criticised the use of military personnel to protect what he termed an “illegal development.”
He said, “I did instruct them [FCTA officials] to make sure that nothing takes place since they did not have any legal papers or building approval. When they came here, I was informed that the military chased them away. So, today, I had to come myself after learning that the military had taken over the site.”
Questioning the officer’s conduct, Wike said it was “unfortunate” that a former high-ranking military officer would resort to intimidation instead of following due process.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military or security backing?” he queried.
The minister confirmed that he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who both assured him that the matter would be addressed.
In a separate statement, the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, OFR, in an unconfirmed statement making the rounds online, described the naval officer’s response during the confrontation as “admirably composed and disciplined,” commending his “emotional intelligence and professionalism under provocation.”
However, the Defence Chief expressed disapproval of Wike’s choice of words, noting that “it is both unfortunate and inappropriate for a federal minister to use such language toward a serving officer of the Armed Forces.”
He added, “Public officials should model civility and restraint, especially when addressing those in uniform who embody national service and sacrifice.”
General Oluyede stated that the case was under his scrutiny and assured that appropriate actions would follow after due investigation.
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