Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday sought to defuse tensions over his viral confrontation with a naval officer during a land inspection, insisting he harbours deep admiration for Nigeria’s armed forces while urging all citizens to adhere to urban planning laws in the capital.
The clarification came as the federal government ordered an investigation into the incident, which saw Wike accuse military personnel of obstructing enforcement at a disputed Gaduwa district site allegedly owned by retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
“I have respect for the military,” Wike stated, downplaying the exchange as a momentary flare-up in his drive to reclaim misallocated lands.60706a He added: “He urged Nigerians to obey the laws, adding that the government would not tolerate any attempt to violate land use regulations or obstruct.”
Defence Minister Bello Matawalle rebuked Wike’s approach, saying: “He rushed to the site to confront military personnel.”
Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai condemned the minister’s tone as “a reckless act wey strike at di heart of Nigeria,” while Labour Party leader Peter Obi called it a “reflection of institutional disorder.”
Wike’s aide Lere Olayinka defended his boss, claiming the officer was “unruly and arrogant” and that Gambo had been “scammed” in the land deal.
The probe, amid calls from veterans for accountability, underscores frictions between civilian authorities and security agencies over elite land grabs in Abuja, where Wike has vowed zero tolerance for violations.
