The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he never called a military officer a “fool” during his recent confrontation with Lieutenant A. Yerima over a land dispute in Abuja.
Wike made the statement at a press briefing, addressing reports of a dramatic clash in Gaduwa District on Tuesday. The incident occurred when FCT officials attempted to enforce a demolition order on an unapproved structure at Plot 1946.
Armed military personnel, reportedly acting on the instructions of retired Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, resisted the operation. Gambo, a former Chief of Naval Staff under President Muhammadu Buhari, is alleged to be the owner or beneficiary of the disputed property.
Clarifying the situation, Wike said, “Some people said I called the boy a fool. What I meant is you cannot carry out an illegal order. I didn’t say, ‘Military, you are a fool.’ I couldn’t have said that.” He added that the soldiers were simply executing what he described as an unlawful directive and reiterated his respect for the military, noting their role in fighting insurgency and terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, suggested that the confrontation could have been handled through official channels rather than publicly. Speaking to DCL Hausa on Wednesday, Matawalle said Wike had previously contacted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who advised allowing the military to investigate first.
Matawalle emphasized that Lieutenant Yerima was merely following instructions and praised the officer for maintaining professionalism throughout the incident. He described the public exchange between Wike and the naval officer as unnecessary and avoidable.
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