Wike slams ex-naval chief for deploying soldiers in FCT land dispute

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence over a heated confrontation with a naval officer during a row over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday before the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike lashed out at a retired Chief of Naval Staff, accusing him of using serving military personnel to guard and protect an illegally acquired piece of land.

The minister, visibly angered by what he described as “gross abuse of authority,” said he could not sit idly by while government officials carrying out their lawful duties were assaulted.

“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?” Wike asked.

The clash reportedly occurred on Tuesday when Wike and his entourage stormed the area after officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were allegedly attacked while trying to halt unauthorised construction on the property.

According to the minister, the retired naval officer had sent soldiers to obstruct the FCDA team from enforcing planning regulations. He described the move as not only unlawful but also a blatant misuse of influence.

“Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues,” Wike said. “Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ And I’ll solve it. The same with General T.Y. Danjuma — they never send soldiers to attack anyone.”

The former Rivers State governor vowed that the FCT Administration would not succumb to intimidation, warning that the government would reclaim all illegally occupied lands, regardless of the individuals involved.

Officials said investigations into the disputed property were ongoing as the FCT intensifies its enforcement drive against illegal developments across the capital.