The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarifies the clash that occurred on Tuesday between him and an unidentified military officer during an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja, describing the encounter as “unfortunate.”
Wike said he would not give in to intimidation or blackmail, insisting that his administration would continue enforcing the law without fear or favor.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the minister explained that the FCT Administration had been investigating illegal developments in the disputed area when the confrontation took place. According to him, enforcement officers had gone to implement directives from his office when they were allegedly stopped by military personnel.
“When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate.”
The minister criticised the officer involved for allegedly attempting to use his military background to obstruct lawful actions by the FCTA.
“I don’t understand how someone who has attained that position cannot come to my office to explain what’s going on,” he said. “Simply because he is a military man, he thinks he can intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.”
Wike also challenged the officer to produce legitimate documents for the contested land, saying, “Where are the documents? I was here and said, ‘bring the documents.’ You don’t have approval for building — you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in the country?”
He revealed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who both assured him that the issue would be resolved promptly.
“We are not here to cause chaos,” Wike said, “but I must say that I will not allow it to happen. He will not carry out this illegal development simply because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow it.”
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