Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, during an inspection visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Speaking on Thursday at a press briefing ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike criticised what he described as the “misuse of military authority” by the retired naval chief, accusing him of deploying serving personnel to guard private property.
The minister said he found it unacceptable that government officials were attacked while carrying out their lawful duties, vowing that such acts of impunity would not be tolerated under his watch.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials — at the level of directors — are being attacked and beaten up? And I’ll just sit in my office doing nothing?” Wike asked.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, sparked controversy after a video surfaced showing a heated exchange between the minister and the naval officer. Wike had led officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to stop what he described as “unauthorised development” on the land when the altercation took place.
The minister accused the officer of obstructing lawful enforcement and assaulting FCDA staff, claiming the retired naval chief’s involvement amounted to an abuse of privilege.
“Many influential Nigerians have had land issues,” Wike said.
“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, would simply call me to resolve the matter. General T.Y. Danjuma would do the same. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. That’s the difference between true statesmen and those who think they are above the law.”
He also condemned the reported language used by the naval officer during the confrontation. “Imagine a security officer calling the police ‘bloody police.’ Who does that? These same government institutions you insult are the ones that make your position possible,” Wike remarked.
The minister, however, stressed that his actions were not directed against the Nigerian military as an institution.
“I have the highest respect for the military and will continue to respect them. This issue is not between me and the armed forces — it’s a private matter involving one individual misusing military resources. I will never have a problem with the military; they are an institution I deeply respect,” he stated.
Wike maintained that his administration would not allow anyone, regardless of status, to use the military or other security agencies to intimidate government officials or undermine lawful procedures in the FCT.
