‘I don’t succumb to intimidation,’ Says Wike after clash with military personnel over disputed plot of land in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has addressed the confrontation between himself and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja, describing the episode as unfortunate.

Wike stated that he would not yield to intimidation or blackmail, stressing that the FCT Administration was only carrying out its lawful duties concerning suspected illegal property developments within the city.

According to the minister, the confrontation occurred after military personnel intervened during an enforcement exercise carried out by FCT officials.

“When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally.

“So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate,” Wike said.

The minister condemned the alleged conduct of the officer involved, accusing him of attempting to use his military background to intimidate FCT officials and obstruct lawful activities.

“I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on,’ but simply because he is a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike said.

He further challenged the officer to provide valid documentation for the disputed land.

“Where are the documents? I was here, I said, bring the documents; you don’t have approval for building; you don’t have it.’ How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in the country?” he said.

Wike confirmed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff regarding the matter, both of whom assured him of prompt intervention to resolve the issue.

“We are not here to cause chaos, but what I must say is that I will not allow it to happen. He will not carry out this illegal development because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow it,” the minister said.