A dramatic confrontation unfolded on Tuesday in Abuja’s Gaduwa District when Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was prevented by uniformed soldiers from gaining access to a parcel of land in the FCT.
The land in question, identified as Plot 1946 in Gaduwa, is allegedly linked to retired Awwal Zubairu Gambo, the former Chief of Naval Staff.
Soldiers blocked Mr. Wike and officials from the Federal Capital Territory Development Administration (FCTDA) from entering the property, triggering a heated verbal exchange between the minister and the soldiers on site.
Mr Wike and a team of FCT officials arrived at the site in Gaduwa to enforce a stop-work order and inspect what the FCT Administration contends is an illegal development.
According to the Minister, his officials encountered armed soldiers who physically prevented entry and refused to allow the enforcement action to proceed.
When confronted, Mr Wike addressed the soldiers, challenging the basis for their blockade and linking the situation to the status of the former naval chief.
He reportedly asked, “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?”
In response, the soldier retorted: “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally.”
The Minister then sharply replied: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The soldier held his ground, repeatedly saying: “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders, I am acting on orders, I am acting on orders.”
Mr Wike emphasised that the FCT Administration will not tolerate lawlessness or the intimidation of government officials by any individual or group, military or otherwise.
According to him, “I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation, but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.”
He further remarked: “We cannot continue to act with impunity. We cannot continue this way. This country cannot go along this line.”
According to media reports, the disputed plot was originally designated as a green area in Gaduwa, but was allegedly re-allocated, and now stands at the centre of a land claim involving military interest and the FCT administration.
The Minister disclosed that he had held discussions with the Christopher Musa–led Chief of Defence Staff’s office and the Navy to address the impasse.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, stating that no one is above the law — whether serving or retired — and that land development and enforcement across the FCT will proceed without fear or favour.
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