Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has found himself at the center of controversy following a heated confrontation with military personnel over a disputed land in Abuja's Gaduwa District.
The Gaduwa District Confrontation
Armed military officers reportedly resisted FCT Administration officials who arrived at Plot 1946 in Gaduwa to enforce a demolition order on what authorities described as an illegal structure. The dramatic incident unfolded on Tuesday when uniformed personnel stationed at the site prevented the demolition team from carrying out their duties.
The confrontation took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that the military personnel were allegedly acting on instructions from retired Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who served as Chief of Naval Staff under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021. Vice Admiral Gambo's name had surfaced as the alleged owner or beneficiary of the controversial property at the heart of the dispute.
Wike's Press Conference Clarification
Responding to the incident at a press conference, Minister Wike addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks during the confrontation. "Some people said I said the boy is a fool. What I meant is you cannot carry out an illegal order," Wike clarified, emphasizing that his comments had been misinterpreted.
The minister further explained his position, stating: "I didn't say, 'Military, you are a fool.' I couldn't have said that. Those who are writing different stories, go and find out what really happened, carry out your investigative journalism very well. What I meant was that the soldiers were carrying out an illegal order."
Wike also took the opportunity to express his respect for Nigeria's military forces, acknowledging their role in combating insurgency and terrorism across the country. He reiterated his consistent support for security agencies and their vital work in maintaining national security.
Official Channels Preferred Says Defence Minister
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has weighed in on the incident, suggesting that the clash between Wike and Lieutenant Yerima should have been resolved through proper military channels rather than public confrontation.
In an interview with DCL Hausa released on YouTube on Wednesday, Matawalle described the incident as "unfortunate and avoidable." He revealed that Wike had previously contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who had advised him to allow military authorities to investigate the matter before taking any action.
"When he got there, the officer explained that he was simply obeying orders given to him," Matawalle stated. "Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officer's superiors."
The Defence Minister praised Lieutenant Yerima for maintaining professional discipline throughout the encounter, emphasizing that the naval officer was merely following instructions as required by military protocol.
Meanwhile, amidst the controversy, Minister Wike has reaffirmed his commitment to developing the Federal Capital Territory's arts, culture, and tourism potential, though this announcement has been somewhat overshadowed by the ongoing land dispute controversy.
