The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has addressed the recent confrontation he had with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike condemned what he described as an “act of impunity” in which a retired service chief allegedly deployed serving naval personnel to protect a private property under dispute.
The minister explained that his visit to the site at Gaduwa District was not impulsive but part of his duty to protect government officials performing their lawful functions. He said he could not remain in his office and watch while officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were being assaulted during enforcement activities.
“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?” Wike queried.
The incident, which took place earlier in the week, had gone viral on social media, showing the minister engaged in a heated exchange with Lieutenant Yerima, who reportedly stopped FCDA officials from halting construction work on the disputed site at Plot No. 1946, Gaduwa District.
Wike, while recounting the confrontation, expressed concern that serving officers were being used to obstruct lawful enforcement efforts. He stressed that no one, regardless of past or present status, should attempt to misuse state power or military personnel to intimidate civil authorities.
“Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Head of State and President, will simply call me and say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it. That is a former president who understands decorum. General T.Y. Danjuma does the same. None of them has ever sent soldiers to attack anybody,” he said.
Wike also expressed disappointment over reports that the naval officer allegedly insulted police officers who were present at the scene, referring to them as “bloody police.” He described the remark as disrespectful and unbecoming of a commissioned officer.
“Nobody talks like that. You say you’re a commissioned officer, but you’re calling other security agents ‘bloody police’? These are people doing their jobs. These same civil institutions are what sustain the structure that allows you to serve. It is unacceptable,” he stated.
The minister was quick to clarify, however, that his disagreement was not with the Nigerian military as an institution but with the actions of specific individuals. He emphasized his deep respect for the Armed Forces and acknowledged their critical role in maintaining national security and unity.
“I have the highest regard for the Nigerian military and always will. I understand what the institution represents. My concern is not with the military as a whole but with individuals who misuse their positions to interfere in civil matters. It’s a private land issue, not a conflict with the Armed Forces,” he said.
Wike reiterated that his administration in the FCT is committed to enforcing the law without fear or favour, regardless of an individual’s social or political influence. He stated that the days when influential Nigerians could bypass regulations or intimidate public officials are over, as the FCT Administration under his leadership would continue to uphold fairness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
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