Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly defended his heated confrontation with a naval officer earlier this week, criticising the alleged “impunity” of a retired military chief in deploying serving personnel to guard a disputed plot of land.
The incident involved Mr. Wike and Lieutenant A.M. Yerima over a property at No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, which is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
Justification for Intervention
Briefing journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Minister Wike condemned the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement activities by FCT officials.
Responding to critics who questioned his direct involvement at the site, the Minister asserted that he could not remain passive while officials working for the government were being allegedly attacked.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.
The Minister accused the retired officer of carrying out illegal development on the land and confronted the naval officer for allegedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff who had gone to halt construction.
Respect for Military Institutions
Mr. Wike contrasted the behaviour in the dispute with that of other retired leaders, claiming that high-profile figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma would approach him directly to resolve land issues without resorting to force.
He also faulted the naval officer for allegedly insulting police officers present at the scene by referring to them as “bloody police.”
Despite the confrontation, the Minister maintained that he holds the “highest regard” for the Nigerian military and understands the institution’s importance. He insisted that his confrontation was not with the Armed Forces as an institution but with a private individual misusing its resources.
“I have respect for the military, and I’ll continue to respect them… So anyone trying to suggest I have problems with them is wrong. I have no problem with the military, and I never will. But this is a private matter,” he stated.
Add Comment