THE FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has defended his confrontation with a naval officer during a visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja, insisting he could not remain in his office while government officials were allegedly assaulted.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting today, Wike criticised a retired Chief of Naval Staff for allegedly deploying active-duty naval personnel to secure the contested property.
He said the use of military officers to obstruct lawful enforcement by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was an unacceptable abuse of power.
Wike explained that he went to the site because FCDA officials, including directors, were reportedly attacked while attempting to stop an unauthorized construction.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up?” he asked.
The confrontation, which took place on Tuesday in the Gaduwa district, saw tensions rise between Wike’s entourage and soldiers guarding the land.
The minister accused the retired naval officer of beginning illegal development and assaulting FCDA staff who tried to enforce compliance.
He also noted that other influential Nigerians with land disputes—such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma—had always followed proper channels by reaching out to the minister rather than deploying force.
Wike emphasized that the incident should not be viewed as a clash between the FCT administration and the military, adding that he would have formally contacted military authorities if that were the case.
He reaffirmed his respect for all government institutions but stressed that due process must be upheld and only legally approved land allocations recognized.
The minister said his intervention was aimed solely at restoring order and ensuring that government officials could carry out their duties safely.