The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed his recent confrontation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed plot of land allegedly owned by retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo
Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike criticized what he described as the retired naval officer’s audacity in deploying military personnel to guard the property.
Responding to criticism of his site visit, the minister insisted he could not remain passive while government officials were attacked. “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?” he asked.
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday at a plot in No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja. Wike accused the retired officer of illegal development on the land and said he confronted Lieutenant Yerima after staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were allegedly assaulted while attempting to stop the construction.
Wike condemned the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful government work. “Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, will simply call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it. That is a former head of state — a former president — who has the courtesy to call the minister. General T.Y. Danjuma will do the same. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. They just call,” he said.
He also criticized the naval officer for allegedly insulting police officers at the scene, reportedly calling them “bloody police.” Wike said, “Nobody talks like that. A security man saying, ‘Bloody police! Who are these bloody police that will talk to you?’ You say you’re a commissioned officer, to God be the glory, but it is these same government officials you’re beating — the ones who made you what you are.”
Despite the confrontation, Wike emphasized his respect for the Nigerian military, clarifying that his dispute was with a private individual, not the armed forces.
“I have respect for the military, and I’ll continue to respect them. I know what the institution stands for. Anyone trying to suggest I have problems with them is wrong. I have no problem with the military, and I never will. Why would I have issues with the government? But this is a private matter,” he stated.
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