Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has explained the reasons behind his recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant Yerima, which occurred at a disputed land site in the capital.
The altercation, which has sparked public discussion, centered on access to a parcel of land allegedly belonging to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).
Addressing the press on the matter, Minister Wike stated that his direct intervention was necessitated by the alleged harassment of government officials by armed soldiers stationed at the property. He revealed that he could not “stand by or remain in his office” while such intimidation was taking place.
“The situation was unfortunate,” Wike stated, emphasizing that “the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory must be respected by all citizens, regardless of status or past position.”
Providing further insight into the dispute, the Minister explained that formal communication with the Nigerian military high command was not a viable path for resolution. He clarified that since the individual developing the property, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, is now a private citizen after retirement, the matter falls outside of official military channels.
Wike also cited precedent to underscore his approach, recalling that several other prominent military figures had previously engaged with him directly to resolve similar issues. He mentioned that former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, had both called him personally to settle land-related matters in a “lawful and orderly manner.”
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