Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has explained why he visited a disputed piece of land in the Gaduwa area of Abuja, where a construction project was ongoing.
The land belongs to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo. Wike’s attempt to enter the site led to a confrontation with a Naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima.
Speaking before the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike said he decided to go to the site because senior officials of the ministry were assaulted there.
“How can I sit in my office while government officials, including directors, are being beaten?” he asked.
During the meeting, a video surfaced showing bulldozers—allegedly sent to stop the work—being moved out of the area.
Wike accused Vice-Admiral Gambo of acting with “impunity” and said Lt. Yerima insulted the police officers who accompanied him by calling them “bloody police.”
He added:
“No one should talk like that. You claim to be a commissioned officer, but you are beating up government officials who made it possible for you to serve the country. If a superior officer tells you to commit a crime, you will still face the law.”
Wike stressed that the matter was being handled properly and that government must not be intimidated.
He insisted that he had great respect for the military, and that land disputes involving military institutions were usually resolved through proper channels.
According to him:
“When it concerns the military as an institution, I speak to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, or even the President. But in this case, it was a private matter involving an individual.”
Wike wondered why Admiral Gambo did not contact him directly, noting that other prominent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma simply call him whenever they have land issues, and solutions are found peacefully.
He accused some people of exaggerating the issue to make it look like he was fighting the military.
“Report us accurately,” he told the media. “Don’t twist my words.”
Wike said he would continue to act in line with the law, even if some people feel offended by it.
“I know I have stepped on toes politically, and I do not regret it. I will continue to take necessary action,” he said.
He warned that the FCT would not tolerate illegal land use, land grabbing, or attacks on government officials.
People who get land for farming but secretly turn it into housing estates or commercial buildings without approval would face punishment.
“Government cannot work in a lawless society,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s plan to bring order and discipline back to Abuja. He also promised that actions against illegal developments and violations of the Abuja master plan would continue.
“As long as I am Minister, the law will be enforced. Abuja must reflect discipline and proper planning,” he said.
He added that no country can progress if impunity and lawlessness are allowed to grow unchecked.
