Tension flared in Abuja on Monday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stormed Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District after receiving reports that soldiers had taken over the disputed land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
During the unscheduled visit, an angry Wike condemned the actions of the soldiers who reportedly chased away officials from the FCT Department of Development Control while they attempted to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.
The minister and his team were also blocked from accessing the site, as soldiers stationed at the gate used a truck to seal off entry.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, Wike said he was shocked that such intimidation could be deployed against government officials performing their lawful duties.
“You are aware that 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,” he said.
Wike expressed disappointment that the soldiers were allegedly acting on the instructions of the retired naval chief, describing the development as an abuse of power.
“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,” he added.
The minister noted that when the FCT officials demanded proof of ownership and building approvals, none were presented.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” Wike queried.
He condemned attempts to use security operatives to obstruct legitimate government enforcement, warning that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his administration.
Wike disclosed that he had already contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be handled amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” he declared.
The FCT Administration has recently intensified efforts to tackle land racketeering and illegal property development across Abuja, with several high-profile structures already demolished for violating planning regulations.
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