The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed to halt an alleged military takeover of a disputed plot of land in Abuja, defiantly stating that he will not be intimidated by the involvement of a former Chief of Naval Staff. The minister issued the stern warning on Tuesday after personally visiting the site where soldiers had reportedly chased away FCTA officials.
Wike condemned the act as lawless and unacceptable, revealing that the incident began when he instructed the Department of Development Control to stop all activity on the land due to a complete lack of legal documentation. “When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition,” the minister said.
However, officials attempting to enforce this directive were allegedly driven from the site by armed soldiers acting on the orders of the retired senior officer. “I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike stated. “Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”
Expressing his dismay, Wike questioned the conduct of a former high-ranking military official. “I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” the minister said firmly.
He emphasised that the FCTA officials found no justification for the occupation, as the individuals involved could not produce any permits. “The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’ they don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’ they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail?” Wike asked, highlighting the unfairness to ordinary citizens without such powerful backing.
While affirming his commitment to the rule of law, the minister disclosed that he has already engaged with the nation’s top defence officials to resolve the matter peacefully. “I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos,” Wike stated.
He concluded with a resolute promise to enforce the law equally, regardless of an individual’s status or power. “But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here. Nobody whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”
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