Tempers flared in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, stormed a disputed site to personally confront a military officer accused of illegally seizing land.
The minister described the encounter as “unfortunate,” vowing never to bow to blackmail or intimidation.
“When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally. So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate,” Wike told reporters.
Visibly furious, Wike accused the officer, reportedly a former top naval chief, of using his military influence to intimidate city officials.
“I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on,’ but simply because he is a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he thundered.
Demanding proof of ownership, Wike challenged the officer to produce legal documents.
“Where are the documents? I was here, I said, bring the documents; you don’t have approval for building; you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in the country?”
The minister disclosed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him the matter would be resolved.
“We are not here to cause chaos, but what I must say is that I will not allow it to happen. He will not carry out this illegal development because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow it,” Wike vowed.
In a viral video, Wike was seen confronting the officer and questioning the use of military might to seize land.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” he said angrily.
Land racketeering and illegal developments have plagued the capital for years, but since taking charge in August 2023, Wike has been on a demolition and enforcement spree, determined to “restore sanity” and bring back the Abuja Master Plan.
