The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to be intimidated or blackmailed after an incident in Abuja where soldiers allegedly blocked his access to a disputed piece of land on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The confrontation, which was captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed the minister in a heated argument with a uniformed soldier who insisted that he could not allow Wike to enter the property. The soldier claimed he was acting on instructions from the former naval chief, whose name Wike later disclosed to journalists.
The minister expressed shock over the incident, describing it as an attempt to undermine constituted authority. He warned that no one, regardless of position or background, has the right to use security agencies to intimidate government officials carrying out their lawful duties.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the confrontation, Wike said the incident was both “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He stressed that he would not tolerate any act of intimidation while performing his responsibilities as the Minister of the FCT.
“I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation from anybody,” Wike declared. “The officer said he was sent by a former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how someone who held that kind of office cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’”
He added, “Is it because he is a military man that he could use soldiers to intimidate Nigerians? I am not one of those who will be cowed or threatened. This is a civil matter, not one that requires military intervention.”
The former Rivers State governor further questioned the legality of deploying soldiers to block a minister who was performing his official duties. “This is something you cannot even prove. Where are the documents to back such a claim of ownership? You cannot use the military to interfere in administrative matters,” he said.
Land ownership and allocation have been recurring issues in the Federal Capital Territory for years, with several disputes involving influential Nigerians, government officials, and private developers.
Under Nigerian law, all lands in the FCT are vested in the Federal Government, and the Minister of the FCT acts as the custodian. The minister is responsible for land allocation, revocation of illegal titles, and urban development oversight.
Since assuming office in 2023, Wike has led a series of reforms aimed at restoring order to Abuja’s urban development system. His administration has demolished illegal structures, reclaimed government lands, and investigated questionable land allocations made in previous years.
These actions have earned him both praise and criticism. While many residents commend his efforts to enforce regulations and restore the city’s master plan, some influential figures and property developers accuse him of being too aggressive.
The recent altercation between Wike and the soldiers highlights the growing tension between government agencies and private interests over land control in the capital city.
The use of military personnel in civilian or property disputes has been a recurring problem in Nigeria, raising concerns about abuse of power and disregard for civil authority.
Since becoming FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has been known for his confrontational and outspoken leadership style. The former Rivers governor, who joined the federal cabinet under President Bola Tinubu in 2023, has made headlines for taking strong positions on governance, land administration, and urban renewal.
His decision to reclaim lands allegedly taken illegally has sparked several public confrontations. Earlier in the year, he ordered the demolition of dozens of buildings constructed on unauthorized plots in areas such as Guzape, Gwarinpa, and Maitama.
Critics accuse him of targeting political opponents or acting without empathy for affected residents, but Wike insists his actions are in line with the Abuja Master Plan and the rule of law.
In a recent interview, he said, “Our duty is to make Abuja work again. We cannot allow a situation where people grab lands meant for public use and turn them into private estates. The law must apply equally to everyone.”
The latest altercation has sparked mixed reactions among Abuja residents and political observers. Some hailed Wike’s courage in confronting the soldiers and defending civil authority, while others advised him to adopt a calmer approach when dealing with such sensitive issues.
A resident of Maitama, Mrs. Grace Okoye, said: “I support what Wike is doing. Abuja has become a city where the powerful take whatever land they want. If he can stand up to them, then he deserves credit.”
However, another resident, Mr. Ibrahim Sani, cautioned that such public confrontations could escalate tensions. “The minister is right to enforce the law, but these issues should be resolved through official channels, not in the field with cameras and arguments,” he said.
As of press time, the Nigerian Army had not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources close to the Defence Headquarters hinted that an internal review might be conducted to determine whether the soldier acted under proper authority.