Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has clarified the recent confrontation involving military personnel at a disputed plot of land in Abuja
Reacting to public controversy surrounding the incident at Media Parley in Abuja, he insisted that he could not have formally written to the Nigerian military since the individual developing the property retired former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo is now a private citizen.
Barrister Wike said he could not stand by or remain in his office while government officials were allegedly being harassed and intimidated by armed soldiers stationed at the site.
He described the situation as unfortunate and emphasized that the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory must be respected by all citizens, regardless of status or past position.
The Minister recalled that several prominent military figures, including former Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chief of Army Staff General Theophilus Danjuma, had previously called him directly to resolve land-related issues in a lawful and orderly manner.
Barrister Wike also responded to comments attributed to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), who had described the confrontation between the Minister and military personnel as a threat to national security.
The Minister accused Buratai of hypocrisy and alleged that the Former Army Chief once directed a General Officer Commanding (GOC) to rig his re-election and have him killed during the 2019 elections.
He maintained that he has no regrets about confronting political opponents and insisted that ethnicity, religion, or any other divisive tactic would not be used successfully against him.
