FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Stands Firm Against Illegal Land Occupation
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly addressed a tense confrontation that occurred earlier today with a group of soldiers over a disputed piece of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. The incident, which took place on Plot 1946, involved armed soldiers who were allegedly acting on behalf of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
How the Land Dispute Escalated
According to the Minister, the conflict began when officials from the FCT Department of Development Control attempted to enforce a stop-work order issued by his office. The officials were reportedly chased away from the site by armed soldiers who had taken over the property. The situation intensified when Minister Wike personally visited the site and was physically blocked from entering by the soldiers, who had used a truck to barricade the entrance.
Wike explained that his office had discovered the developers on the land had no valid documents or legal approval for the property. "You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT," he stated. "When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away."
Wike Condemns Intimidation Tactics
The Minister expressed his surprise and disappointment that a former high-ranking military official would resort to such measures. "I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people," Wike remarked. He firmly declared, "I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation."
He questioned the broader implications of such actions for the rule of law in Nigeria. "How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?" Wike queried, condemning any attempt to use security operatives to frustrate legitimate government actions.
Resolution and Ongoing Crackdown
Despite the confrontation, Wike disclosed that he has already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who have assured him that the matter will be resolved amicably. "We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive," he asserted. "The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law."
This incident highlights the FCT Administration's intensified efforts in recent months to curb land racketeering and illegal developments across the territory, which has already led to the demolition of several high-profile properties for non-compliance with planning regulations.
