Wike justifies confrontation with naval officer, says he acted to protect FCT officials
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has defended his decision to personally intervene in a heated encounter with a naval officer during an inspection of a disputed plot of land in Abuja, saying he could not remain in his office while government workers were allegedly assaulted.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday before the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike expressed outrage over what he described as an “unwarranted display of privilege” by a retired Chief of Naval Staff who according to him, deployed serving personnel to secure the contentious property in the Gaduwa district.
The minister, who has faced public criticism for his presence at the site earlier in the week, insisted he had a responsibility to step in once reports emerged that officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had been attacked while attempting to halt ongoing construction.
“How do you expect me to stay back in the office when directors of government agencies are being beaten?
“What kind of leadership would that be? My duty is to protect those carrying out legitimate government assignments, ” he said.
The confrontation, which unfolded on Tuesday, saw Wike and his entourage engage in a tense exchange with armed soldiers stationed at the location.
The minister later alleged that the retired senior officer behind the development was building without approval and had resorted to using military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement actions.
Wike criticised what he called a disturbing trend of influential individuals attempting to resolve land disputes through force rather than official channels.
He contrasted the situation with interactions he said he typically has with elder statesmen.
According to him, figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General T.Y. Danjuma usually reach out to the FCT Administration through formal communication rather than resorting to military involvement.
“These are people who have held the highest offices in this country, yet they simply call to seek clarification.
“They don’t send soldiers to challenge authorities, ” he said.
The minister stressed that the matter should not be interpreted as a confrontation between the FCT Administration and the armed forces.
If it were, he said, he would have officially written to military leadership seeking explanations.
Instead, he maintained that the dispute centres on adherence to due process and respect for approved land allocations.
Wike reaffirmed his regard for all national institutions, including the military, adding that his actions at the site were aimed solely at restoring order and ensuring that government regulations are upheld.
A video of the encounter, which has circulated widely online, shows the minister challenging the presence of the soldiers and ordering an immediate halt to activities on the land.
