Wike Defends Confrontation With Naval Officer Over Abuja Land

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent confrontation with a naval officer over a disputed plot of land in Abuja, insisting that he cannot remain in his office while officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration come under attack.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike condemned what he described as the audacity of a retired Chief of Naval Staff to deploy active-duty naval personnel to guard a contested property in the Gaduwa district.

Wike said his intervention was necessary after reports emerged that senior officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including directors, were assaulted while attempting to enforce development control on the disputed site.

“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?” he asked.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in a tense confrontation between Wike’s entourage and armed naval operatives deployed to the location.

According to Wike, the retired naval chief was undertaking unauthorised construction on the land and unlawfully used serving military personnel to obstruct enforcement actions by the FCTA.

He said FCDA officials had moved to halt the development when they were allegedly assaulted, prompting his visit to the site.

The minister criticised the deployment of uniformed officers to impede lawful government activity, describing the act as an abuse of authority and a breach of military conduct.

Wike, a former Rivers State governor known for his combative stance on enforcement matters, maintained that no individual, retired or serving, has the right to use the military to counter the lawful directives of the FCTA.

He vowed that his administration would not tolerate situations where individuals attempt to intimidate or attack government officials carrying out their duties.

The minister reiterated his commitment to restoring order and reclaiming lands under dispute, stressing that enforcement activities in the FCT would proceed without fear or favour.