The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has explained his confrontation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed plot of land reportedly belonging to retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike condemned the alleged use of military personnel by the retired officer to guard the property.
Addressing critics of his visit to the site, the minister said he could not remain idle while government officials were attacked. “How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.
The clash occurred on Tuesday at No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja. Wike accused the retired naval officer of carrying out unauthorized development on the land and said he intervened after FCDA officials were reportedly assaulted while trying to halt the construction.
Wike criticized the deployment of military personnel to obstruct lawful government duties. “Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, simply calls me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll resolve it. Former heads of state or generals never send soldiers to attack anyone; they just call,” he said.
He also condemned Lieutenant Yerima for allegedly insulting police officers on the scene, reportedly calling them “bloody police.” Wike remarked, “A security officer should never speak that way. The same officials you are attacking are the ones who made you what you are.”
Despite the incident, Wike stressed his respect for the Nigerian military, clarifying that the issue was with a private individual, not the armed forces. “I respect the military and will continue to do so. Anyone suggesting I have a problem with them is wrong. This is a private matter, not a conflict with the government or the armed forces,” he said.