The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified the recent confrontation involving military personnel at a disputed plot of land in Abuja, insisting that he could not have formally written to the Nigerian military since the individual developing the property retired former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo is now a private citizen.
Reacting to public controversy surrounding the incident, Wike said he could not stand by or remain in his office while government officials were allegedly being harassed and intimidated by armed soldiers stationed at the site. He described the situation as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory must be respected by all citizens, regardless of status or past position.
The Minister recalled that several prominent military figures, including former Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chief of Army Staff General Theophilus Danjuma, had previously called him directly to resolve land-related issues in a lawful and orderly manner.
Wike also responded to comments attributed to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), who had described the confrontation between the Minister and military personnel as a threat to national security. Wike accused Buratai of hypocrisy, alleging that the former army chief once directed a General Officer Commanding (GOC) to rig his re-election and have him killed during the 2019 elections. He stated that Buratai “cannot lecture me on decency.”
The Minister maintained that he has no regrets about confronting political opponents and insisted that ethnicity, religion, or any other divisive tactic would not be used successfully against him.
