FCTA Accepts Responsibility for Minister Wike's Confrontation with Naval Officer
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially taken responsibility for the tense incident that occurred on Tuesday, November 11, involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval Officer Lt. A.M. Yerima at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The confrontation, which was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms, showed Minister Wike being blocked from accessing a disputed property allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Development Control Director Explains Illegal Construction
Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCTA Department of Development Control, provided a detailed account of events during a press conference, expressing regret over the tense encounter that unfolded at the disputed site.
"It is with a sense of commitment, emotion and regret that we address this press conference on the incident at the Gaduwa District," Galadima stated. He revealed that on October 17, FCTA staff had noticed ongoing development within the corridor of the Southern Parkway and attempted to inquire about necessary approval status.
The officials were met with stiff resistance and threats from men of the Nigerian Navy stationed at the site, according to Galadima's account.
The director explained that when naval officers on site were questioned about approvals, they claimed all documents were with their lawyers and engineers. The only document provided was a letter of intent issued in 2007 by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which Galadima emphasized did not constitute formal approval.
Lands Director Clarifies Statutory Status
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Lands Administration at FCTA, provided crucial clarification about the legal status of the property, stating unequivocally that the claimants had no statutory title to the property.
Nwankwoeze explained that the 2007 letter of intent merely allowed for management of a park site and did not confer legal occupancy or approval to build any structures. "Letter of intent is not statutory right of occupancy," he emphasized.
The Lands Director further revealed that the claimants never submitted a detailed technical proposal as required, and no lease agreement was ever granted. Additionally, development was never completed within the stipulated one-year timeframe, rendering their building activities illegal under FCT regulations.
Armed Confrontation Led to Minister's Involvement
Director Galadima described the tense situation that prompted him to contact Minister Wike directly. "I sincerely apologise for dragging the Honorable Minister into this situation," Galadima stated. "Armed men were strategically positioned, ready to shoot. That is why I called on the Minister to assess the situation on the spot."
During his discussion with the naval officer present, Galadima had emphasized that submission is not approval under Nigerian law. He stressed that development without statutory approval is illegal according to both the FCT Act of 1976 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992.
The director maintained that FCTA's actions were consistent with established laws and necessary to uphold legal and urban planning standards in the Federal Capital Territory.
Rule of Law and Urban Planning Standards Upheld
FCTA officials reiterated throughout their explanation that their interventions were necessary to maintain the integrity of Abuja's master plan and uphold legal standards for urban development.
Nwankwoeze emphasized that in Abuja, no development can occur without approved plans that align with the city's comprehensive master plan, a principle central to maintaining the capital's organized development.
Galadima concluded by stating: "Our actions are consistent with FCT laws. We regret the incident but maintain that enforcement of planning regulations is vital for the orderly development of the Federal Capital Territory."
The officials acknowledged the disruption caused to Minister Wike and the negative public perception generated by the viral video, while maintaining their commitment to enforcing development regulations in the nation's capital.
