In a tense confrontation that exposed deepening frictions over land governance in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday clashed with military officers who blocked his access to a disputed plot in the Gaduwa district. The altercation erupted as Wike accused the soldiers of acting without legal backing and attempting to intimidate him during an inspection of the site.
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The confrontation began when Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, and his entourage attempted to inspect the site but were stopped by armed soldiers. An aide reportedly admonished the troops, saying, “This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this.”
Wike, visibly angry, demanded proof of the land’s allocation from FCTA records. “You have no document,” he asserted, linking the irregular development to directives from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. “We cannot continue to act in impunity. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that they can intimidate,” he added.
The soldiers maintained they were following superior orders, refusing to vacate the premises. The exchange escalated into personal barbs, with Wike questioning how a former naval chief could allow the situation to reach such a level without seeking resolution through proper channels.
In a post-confrontation statement, Wike vowed not to tolerate overreach. “I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail,” he said, accusing the officers of lacking any legal documentation in FCTA files.
Eyewitnesses and an audio recording captured the heated exchange:
- Wike: “Show me the document. You have no document. Print the document. I have documents and everything.”
- Soldier: “We are not intimidating anybody… We are acting on orders.”
- Wike: “You could have killed everybody here. No problem. I’m not one of those that they can intimidate.”
- Aide: “This is not professional. Nobody… You cannot shut me up… I’m not a fool.”
The soldiers maintained the land was “acquired legitimately” and defended ongoing construction by a civilian engineer. “I’m an officer. So what? You had a hook than me? I’m acting on orders,” one officer said.
Despite Wike’s threats to halt development “You can never develop this property. I will not allow it” the military personnel stood firm, warning of potential escalation but denying any intent to harm. The site remains cordoned off.
@thenigerialawyer“We Are Acting On Orders” — FCT Minister Wike Clashes With Soldiers At Gaduwa Land, Accuses Military Of Illegal Action
This incident comes as Wike continues a broader crackdown on land irregularities in Abuja. He recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to property owners violating land-use regulations, demanding a N5 million penalty for non-compliance. The Gaduwa clash underscores the challenges he faces enforcing these policies, especially where high-level military interests are involved.
The FCT Administration has yet to comment, and the Nigerian Army and Navy could not be reached for statements.
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