Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has reacted strongly after naval officers blocked him and senior FCTA officials from inspecting a disputed land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District on Tuesday, leading to a heated confrontation.
The officers, acting on orders from retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, prevented the minister from entering plot 1946, Buffer Transit Southern Park Way, where demolition of an alleged illegal development was planned.
In a viral video, Wike was seen demanding justification for the military presence, stating, “Show me the document you have. You have no document.” A naval officer claimed they had documents and were following orders, but Wike retorted, “I am the minister. You cannot tell me that. We cannot continue with this kind of impunity. You cannot use soldiers to intimidate government officials doing their job. This country cannot continue this way.”
He accused the officers of using their uniforms to protect illegal structures and emphasized that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law. “Even if you are a lieutenant general or vice admiral, it means nothing. The government must function according to law,” Wike said. The situation intensified when a member of the minister’s team challenged the naval officer’s honesty about document submission, causing agitation among the armed officers.
Security details intervened to shield Wike, with one official deeming the officers’ conduct “unprofessional” after an alleged threat to assault the minister. Wike later revealed he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff, stating, “If not for the Chief of Defence Staff who just spoke to me, you could have killed everybody here.”
During the exchange, the naval officer asserted the land was legally acquired, prompting Wike to yell, “Will you stop that? Will you stop that?” When the officer cited his integrity, Wike snapped, “Shut up your mouth! Who does that? Will you get out? When I was in school, you had not even resumed school. Will you keep quiet? You are a big fool!”
The officer responded, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer.” Wike later confirmed the land owner lacked legal documents or approvals and denounced the intimidation attempt. He said the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff assured a peaceful resolution, but he reaffirmed that FCTA would continue enforcing urban regulations in Gaduwa, vowing that illegal developments would not be tolerated regardless of involved individuals.
