A tense scene played out in the Gaduwa district of Abuja on Tuesday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was prevented by armed soldiers from gaining access to a parcel of land.
Wike, who was on an official inspection with some senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was stopped at the gate by soldiers guarding the area. The minister’s entourage reportedly protested, accusing the military officers of unprofessional conduct.
“This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this,” one of the officials accompanying Wike told the armed personnel as the minister attempted to access the disputed site.
Wike expressed disappointment over the soldiers’ actions, describing their behaviour as a blatant disregard for civil authority. He maintained that no individual or institution is above the law, stressing that due process must always be respected.
“You have no document,” the minister declared, confronting the officers. “We cannot continue to act with impunity. We cannot continue this way. This country cannot move forward along this line. You cannot be higher than the government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those they can intimidate.”
The minister further questioned the legality of the development on the land, alleging that no proper documentation or approval was obtained from the FCTA.
“I Will Not Succumb to Blackmail” Wike Vows to Take Action
Following a prolonged and heated exchange, Wike accused the soldiers of acting with impunity and operating without any legal authorisation from the FCT Administration. He maintained that there was no record in the FCTA’s database showing that the land in question had been officially allocated.
“It’s really unfortunate,” Wike said. “And you heard what was said by the former Chief of Staff. I don’t understand how someone who once held such a position, knowing there’s an issue, cannot approach my office to resolve it. Instead, they rely on military influence to intimidate others.”
The minister, who is also the immediate past governor of Rivers State, vowed that his administration would not tolerate such acts of lawlessness.
“I’m not one of those who will succumb to blackmail,” he stated firmly. “As long as I remain the FCT Minister, I will not allow illegality or intimidation to prevail. Everyone must respect the law and follow due process.”
Despite Wike’s insistence, the soldiers reportedly stood their ground, maintaining that they were acting on instructions from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).
According to them, their presence on the land was part of directives received from the retired naval chief, whom they claimed had authority over the property.