The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to a confrontation with an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja, describing the situation as “unfortunate.”
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Wike said he would not succumb to blackmail or intimidation. He explained that the FCT administration had been investigating suspected illegal developments in the area before the incident occurred.
According to him, the military intervened during the enforcement of FCT directives, which led to the clash.
“When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally.
“So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate,” Wike said.
The minister criticised the officer for allegedly using his military background to intimidate officials.
“I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on,’ but simply because he is a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike said.
He further challenged the officer to present valid documents supporting the land ownership.
“Where are the documents? I was here, I said, bring the documents; you don’t have approval for building; you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in the country?” he said.
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Wike said he has contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be addressed.
“We are not here to cause chaos, but what I must say is that I will not allow it to happen. He will not carry out this illegal development because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow it,” he said.
A viral video of the incident showed Wike accusing the officer of illegally taking possession of the land and questioning the military’s involvement.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said.