Despite growing criticism following his confrontation with a military officer over a disputed land in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not bow to intimidation or political blackmail in carrying out his duties.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Wike reiterated his deep respect for the Nigerian military as an institution but maintained that no individual, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to act above the law in the FCT.
“I have respect for the military as an institution and I will continue to respect them because I know what they stand for,” Wike said. “But I will never condone lawlessness or impunity by any individual using security personnel to intimidate government officials. The right thing must be done, no matter whose ox is gored.”
The Minister’s remarks followed a viral altercation between FCTA enforcement officials and an armed officer allegedly linked to a retired Chief of Naval Staff, over illegal land development at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District.
Wike clarified that the issue was not a standoff between the military and the government but a matter involving a private individual who acquired the land illegally. He explained that the disputed plot was originally designated for parks and recreation but was unlawfully partitioned and sold after the FCT Administration denied an application for a change of use in 2022.
“It is not military versus government — no,” Wike said. “The land was never allocated to the retired officer. It was given to a private company in 2007 for parks and recreation. When they were refused a change of use, they went ahead and started selling land. That’s illegality, pure and simple.”
He condemned the assault on senior FCTA officials who had gone to enforce a stop-work order at the site, describing it as “a shameful act of impunity.”
“You started beating government officials. Senior officials carrying out their lawful duties were attacked. Is that how we want to run a country?” the Minister queried.
Wike said the continuous misuse of institutional influence and tribal or class sentiments to justify illegal acts remains one of the biggest threats to national progress.
“I cry for this country because everything is either tribalized or politicized,” he said. “No nation can move forward where lawlessness and impunity are tolerated. If we continue this way, Nigeria will go nowhere.”
He emphasized that his on-site intervention was necessary to protect his officials, who have repeatedly faced violence during enforcement operations. According to the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, armed men at the site had threatened to shoot the enforcement team during previous visits.
Galadima and the Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed that the developer had no valid title documents or building approval, only a defunct letter of intent issued 18 years ago for park maintenance—not construction.
Reaffirming his commitment to enforce the law without fear or favour, Wike said, “I represent the President. My job is to ensure that due process is followed. I will not allow intimidation or blackmail. Shout as much as you want, the right thing must be done.”
The Minister also dismissed political insinuations surrounding the incident, warning critics and media commentators against spreading falsehoods.
“As far as my conscience is clear that I am doing the right thing, I will continue. Even if it costs me my job, so be it,” he added.
Wike, who has since briefed the current Service Chiefs on the matter, said he remains unshaken in his resolve to sanitize Abuja’s land administration system and restore order to the territory.
“Respect begets respect,” he concluded. “But nobody—no matter how powerful—will be allowed to turn Abuja into a lawless territory. We must do the right thing, always.”
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