Former Kaduna lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance in Abuja, while cautioning him against engaging in confrontations with military personnel.
Sani, in a post shared on his X handle, wrote:
“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers.”
His remark followed the circulation of a viral video showing Wike in a heated face-off with soldiers over access to a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
In the footage, the Minister was seen confronting the soldiers who reportedly blocked officials of the FCTA from entering the property — identified as Plot 1946 — allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Wike, visibly angered, accused the soldiers of acting without proper authorization, insisting that no development should take place on the land since there were no valid documents or approvals from the FCT administration.
Addressing journalists after the encounter, the Minister said:
“You are aware that the Land Departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.
When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away.
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.”
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many praising Wike’s firm stance against land grabbing while others caution against direct confrontations with the military.
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