Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed social media reports suggesting a personal conflict with the military following a disagreement with a naval officer stationed at a disputed land in Abuja, allegedly linked to a retired naval chief.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Wike stated that the FCT Administration will not succumb to intimidation or allow any individual, regardless of status, to violate land use regulations or obstruct government officials performing their lawful duties.
The minister emphasised that his actions are guided strictly by law, not by sentiment or emotion.
He said, “You are told to obey legal directives. So, if because you are a security aide, or acting on orders from a former president, and you shoot at someone, do you think you will not be charged with murder? It does not matter who gave the order.
“When people have problems, we try to resolve them, but intimidation cannot be tolerated. You cannot weaken government. If we allow this now, others will follow suit, and when it happens to someone else, what will be done?
“I have respect for the military, and I will continue to respect them because I know what they stand for. So anybody claiming I have a problem with the military is wrong. I do not have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem.
“If there were ever a problem, I know the channels to address it – the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Force, Chief of Defence Intelligence, or even the President. But as a private individual, how many people would I run to? The point is, I do not have a problem with the military.”
Wike said the incident had been blown out of proportion by those seeking to portray him as being at odds with the military.
He stressed that the FCT Administration’s duty is to protect the integrity of Abuja’s master plan and ensure all developments conform with approved land use provisions.
“Those who obtained land for agricultural purposes but later converted it to residential estates or commercial ventures without approval will face the law. Government cannot function in a lawless society. If we allow one person to violate the rules because of who they are, others will follow. That is how impunity begins. We must learn to obey the law irrespective of who is involved,” Wike said.
The minister noted that the FCTA has previously engaged the military hierarchy on similar matters involving land disputes, and such engagements were always conducted with mutual respect and understanding.
“Whenever there is a matter concerning the military, I know who to talk to – the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, or even the President. We resolve issues institutionally, not through confrontation,” he said.
Wike also criticised media reports suggesting his comments or actions targeted security agencies, urging journalists to verify information and avoid sensationalism. “Report us accurately. Do investigative journalism. Don’t twist facts or take statements out of context,” he said.
Recalling his tenure as Rivers State governor, during which he personally intervened to prevent security operatives from violating citizens’ rights, Wike said his current actions reflect a consistent commitment to lawful governance.
He added that leadership often requires tough decisions that may not please everyone. “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.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring order and discipline to the nation’s capital, vowing that enforcement against illegal developments, land grabbing, and violations of the Abuja master plan would continue without compromise.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria – disciplined, planned, and lawful,” Wike declared.
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