The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the alleged unlawful takeover of a disputed parcel of land in Abuja by military personnel said to be acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Earlier on Tuesday, several videos circulated online showing Wike in a heated exchange with a military officer at the disputed site.
In a statement issued after the confrontation, Wike explained that he visited the area following reports that armed soldiers had driven away officials of the FCT Administration’s Department of Development Control.
“You are aware that the land departments and the development control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” Wike said.
“When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition.”
The minister noted that while FCTA officials were at the location to enforce his directive, they were allegedly chased away by military officers.
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said.
“Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate,” he added.
Wike stressed that the FCT administration would not tolerate intimidation or unlawful interference with its staff and that all land-related matters must follow due process regardless of social standing.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he said.
He further disclosed that the individuals occupying the property failed to provide any valid ownership or building approval documents when asked to do so.
“The director of development control said, ‘Bring the documents.’ They don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building.’ They don’t have it,” Wike said.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?
“I have spoken to the chief of defence staff and the chief of naval staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos.
“But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here.
“Nobody, whether a former chief of naval staff or anyone else, will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”