Wike Defends Actions Over Abuja Land Face-Off

…Insists: I Respect the Military, But Won’t Condone Lawlessness

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his “high respect” for the Nigerian military but declared firmly that no officer, serving or retired, will be allowed to act outside the law.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike condemned what he described as “impunity and lawlessness,” stressing that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any breach of land use regulations or obstruction of officials carrying out lawful duties.

His remarks followed Tuesday’s confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who blocked him from accessing a disputed plot said to be linked to retired Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo. Wike insisted there were no documents proving the military owned the land, adding that “no country will allow impunity and lawlessness, even among government officials, not to talk of private individuals.”

The minister said his intervention became necessary after senior FCTA officials were assaulted while enforcing development regulations.
“As a minister, I won’t sit in my office while those working with me are being attacked,” he said.

Wike accused political opponents of blowing the incident out of proportion in an attempt to paint him as hostile to the military.
“Yes, I have wounded some people politically and I have no regret about it… So when things happen like this, people will say all manner of things,” he added.

He emphasised that his actions were guided strictly by the law, not emotion, and noted that respected leaders, including a former head of state, had handled similar issues with decorum.
“A former president had the courtesy of calling me and said, ‘Look, I have this problem. See how you can look into it.’ Another general will call you… These are people with discipline. They never send soldiers to attack anybody,” Wike said.

He recalled that in a past dispute involving the Police, the Inspector-General personally ensured that officers halted an illegal construction under a power line after his visit to the site.

Wike reiterated his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to restore order and uphold the Abuja Master Plan, vowing that enforcement against illegal developments and land grabbing would continue without compromise.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria: disciplined, planned, and lawful,” he declared.