The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against rumours suggesting he is at war with the Nigerian military over the recent land dispute involving a naval officer in Abuja.
Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Wike said those spreading such talk were only trying to create tension where none existed. He maintained that the FCT Administration would not allow any individual, no matter their position or connection, to undermine the rule of law or disrupt legitimate enforcement.
Wike said his decisions were driven strictly by legal provisions and not by personal feelings. He warned that nobody should hide under the cover of security uniforms or political connections to break the law.
According to him, “You are told to obey legal things. So, if because you are a security aide to a former president or whoever, and then you shoot at someone, you think you will not be charged for murder simply because a former president gave the order?”
The minister noted that some people were attempting to twist the incident into a clash between him and the military, insisting the narrative was false.
He explained, “I have respect for the military. I will continue to respect them because I know what they stand for. Anybody trying to create a collision by saying I have a problem with the military is not correct. I don’t have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem.”
Wike stressed that if there were ever issues requiring military attention, he knew exactly where to channel them, noting that he could approach the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs or even the President.
He added, “But as a private individual, how many people would I run to? If you have a problem with us, will I now start disturbing the President every day by saying, ‘This individual is having a problem with us’? It doesn’t make sense.”
Wike accused certain individuals of blowing the matter out of proportion to create the impression that he was fighting security agencies. He insisted that his priority was to safeguard Abuja’s master plan and protect the nation’s capital from illegal developments.
The minister reiterated that no one would be spared if found to have violated land use regulations, especially those who allegedly obtained land for agriculture but later converted it to estates or commercial sites without approval.
“Government cannot function in a lawless society. If we allow one person to violate the rules because of who he is, others will follow. That is how impunity begins. We must learn to obey the law regardless of who is involved,” he said.
Wike pointed out that the FCT Administration had previously handled land-related issues involving the military through official channels, stressing that both institutions have always resolved matters with respect and professionalism.
He also cautioned the media to verify their information and avoid sensational reporting, saying, “Report us accurately. Do investigative journalism. Don’t twist facts or take statements out of context.”
Reflecting on his time as governor of Rivers State, Wike said he had always stood against any form of abuse by security operatives and that his current stance in Abuja was consistent with his belief in responsible governance.
He argued that leadership sometimes demands difficult decisions that may not please everyone but must be taken for the good of society. “You can’t make everybody happy, even in your own house. But once your conscience is clear that you are doing the right thing, you stand by it,” he said.
Wike assured that the enforcement drive in the FCT would continue, particularly against illegal structures, land grabbing and violations of the Abuja master plan.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria – disciplined, planned and lawful,” he said.
