Founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has broken his silence on the explosive confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer that has gripped the nation.
Pastor's Humorous Take on Military Standoff
During his sermon on Wednesday, November 13, Pastor Enenche addressed the viral incident with a mix of humor and reflection that captivated his congregation. The clergyman dramatically reenacted the tense exchange that occurred between the minister and military personnel.
"Say, I've come to move you, move or I move you. You may be begging, normal people may be begging people, but not when a real military person arrives that is fully printed and fully loaded," Enenche declared, triggering laughter from church members.
As the audience responded with amusement, the pastor quickly turned reflective, asking: "Why are you people laughing? It looks like there's something you are laughing about." He then expressed hope for Nigeria's future, stating: "We trust the Lord that this nation will work and come to the days when things are things, and it will work."
Abuja Land Dispute Escalates into Heated Confrontation
The incident that sparked nationwide discussion occurred on Tuesday, November 11, when Minister Wike attempted to access a contested piece of land in the Gaduwa area of Abuja. Armed naval personnel blocked the minister's entry, citing "orders from above" as their justification.
Eyewitnesses reported the situation rapidly deteriorated when Wike demanded an explanation from the officers. In footage that subsequently went viral, the minister could be heard shouting "You are a fool" at one of the naval officers. The military man maintained his composure, responding calmly: "I am not a fool but an officer."
Wike's Defiant Stance Against Military Intimidation
Despite attempts by security operatives accompanying the minister to de-escalate tensions, the naval personnel remained firm in their position. This prompted a fiery response from the FCT minister, who declared his refusal to be intimidated by military presence.
"You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that they can intimidate," Wike asserted during the confrontation.
The minister questioned why the military officer hadn't approached his office to resolve the land dispute through proper channels, stating: "I don't understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office to say, 'Look, this is what's going on.' Simply because he is a military man, they think they can intimidate Nigerians."
Mixed Public Reactions and Political Fallout
The viral video has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, with citizens divided in their opinions. Some critics condemned Wike's outburst as unbecoming of a public official, while others defended his stance against military interference in civil administration.
The controversy has drawn reactions from prominent figures, including APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe, who called for the immediate dismissal of the naval officer involved. Igbokwe described the officer's conduct as "disrespectful to constituted authority" in a Facebook post.
As the nation continues to discuss the incident, Pastor Enenche's humorous yet thoughtful commentary has added a unique perspective to the ongoing conversation about civil-military relations in Nigeria.
