The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has addressed his recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, concerning a disputed plot of land in Abuja allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.)
Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike criticized what he described as the “impunity” of the retired naval chief for allegedly deploying serving naval officers to guard the contested property.
Wike explained that his visit to the site was prompted by reports that officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had been assaulted while attempting to stop unauthorized construction.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials directors, even are being attacked and beaten? Should I just remain in my office doing nothing?” he asked.
Earlier reports from PUNCH Online indicated that the incident occurred on Tuesday at Plot No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja. Wike was said to have engaged in a heated exchange with Lieutenant Yerima during an inspection of the property.
According to Wike, the land was under illegal development, and the naval officer had no authority to obstruct FCDA staff enforcing government orders.
The former Rivers State governor also condemned the alleged use of military personnel to block lawful enforcement operations.
“Many influential Nigerians have faced land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo or General T.Y. Danjuma would simply call and ask for assistance. They never send soldiers to intimidate anyone,” Wike said.
Wike further faulted the naval officer’s reported verbal abuse of police officers present at the scene.
“Nobody should speak like that. A security officer calling others ‘bloody police’ that’s unacceptable. You’re a commissioned officer because of this same government. You don’t beat or insult those who serve it,” he said.
Despite the incident, Wike emphasized his continued respect for the Nigerian military, stressing that his confrontation was not with the armed forces as an institution but with a private individual.
“I have the utmost respect for the military and what it represents. Anyone saying I have a problem with them is mistaken. This is a private matter, not a conflict with the military,” he clarified.
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