By Peter.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has described a tense standoff with military personnel in Abuja’s Gaduwa District as “unfortunate,” vowing not to bow to intimidation over an alleged illegal land development linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). ⚡🇳🇬
The confrontation unfolded on Tuesday when Wike personally visited the site (Plot 1946) after FCTA officials were earlier blocked by armed soldiers from enforcing a stop-work order on unauthorised construction.
In a viral video, Wike is seen demanding documents from the officers, accusing them of using military might to shield land grabbing. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” he fumed.
One officer pushed back calmly: “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally.” When Wike told him to “shut up,” the officer replied, “I will not shut up.” The exchange escalated, with Wike calling the officer “a very big fool” and saying, “As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
Wike later told reporters: “I do not understand how somebody who attained that position… could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.” He challenged the ex-naval chief to produce proper approvals, adding, “How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail?”
The minister revealed he spoke with the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to resolve the issue. “We are not here to cause chaos, but… he will not carry out this illegal development because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow it,” Wike declared.
His aide, Lere Olayinka, alleged the retired admiral deployed armed guards to attack FCTA staff and protect the unauthorised build.
The incident highlights ongoing battles against land grabbing in Abuja, where Wike has ramped up demolitions and revocations since 2023 to restore the Master Plan—often clashing with powerful interests.
Online reactions are split: many applaud the officer’s composure and question military involvement in private disputes, while others back Wike for enforcing the law without fear.
No official statement yet from the military.
#WikeVsMilitary #AbujaLandGrab #GaduwaDistrict #NyesomWike #AwwalGambo #FCTAdministration #LandDispute #NigeriaNews #RuleOfLaw #MasterPlan #NaijaDrama #MilitaryIntimidation 🇳🇬🔥🚧
