There was tension in Gaduwa village, Abuja, on Tuesday when soldiers blocked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and officials of the FCT Administration from accessing a disputed parcel of land reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).
The confrontation occurred at Plot 1946, which Wike said was being developed without approval or valid documentation from the FCTA.
“Show me the documents. You have no approval,” Wike demanded during the inspection. “You cannot use soldiers to intimidate government officials. No one is above the law.”
Responding, a senior army officer identified as A.M. Yerima denied any attempt to intimidate the minister, insisting that the development was backed by proper documentation. “We are not here to intimidate anyone. The Admiral said the papers are complete,” Yerima said.
The exchange quickly escalated when the minister insisted the military would not be allowed to continue the construction. Yerima, describing himself as “an officer with integrity,” said he was acting on orders.
An angry Wike ordered him to be quiet, but the officer refused, leading to a heated verbal altercation. “You are a very big fool,” Wike shouted, pointing at the soldier. The situation was later calmed after both sides stood down.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Wike said he had informed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff about the incident. He maintained that the FCTA would not tolerate illegal developments or land grabbing, regardless of who was involved.
“I’ve spoken to the Defence and Naval Chiefs, and they assured me the matter will be resolved,” he said. “We will not allow anyone, no matter their status, to violate the law.”
Veterans Condemn Minister’s Outburst
Following the clash, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s conduct, accusing him of verbally assaulting the army officer.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the group said it was “unacceptable” for a public office holder to insult a serving officer.
“How can a minister call an officer a fool in public? He should have resolved the issue through proper channels,” the coalition said, warning against any disciplinary action against the officer.
The group also insisted that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the state, not individual interests, and demanded an apology from Wike. “His action demeans the dignity of his office,” the statement added.
Wike’s Aide Alleges Threats
Reacting, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alleged that armed soldiers threatened to shoot the minister during the confrontation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka claimed that the former naval chief had no title documents or building approval and had deployed armed officers to prevent FCTA officials from enforcing a stop-work order.
“The former Chief of Naval Staff sent armed men to attack FCTA staff and protect illegal development on the land,” he wrote. “When the minister visited, the soldiers threatened to shoot.”
The military authorities had yet to comment on the incident as of press time.
Background
The incident comes weeks after the FCTA demolished 11 duplexes belonging to the Nigeria Police Force in Apo District for being built under high-tension power lines.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified enforcement against illegal developments and land encroachments across Abuja, vowing to restore the city’s master plan.
In a related development, the minister recently granted property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts a 14-day grace period to pay a ₦5 million penalty for violating approved land-use provisions or face enforcement action.
