The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to respecting all government institutions, including the military, while emphasizing the importance of due process in resolving land disputes in Abuja.
This statement follows a recent confrontation between FCT officials and military personnel over a contested plot of land in the Gaduwa district, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.). Wike explained that FCT officials were allegedly assaulted while enforcing development control regulations, prompting his intervention.
He clarified that his actions were not targeted at the military but were aimed at upholding the law. โI will continue to respect all government institutions, including the military. However, everyone must also learn to obey the laws,โ Wike stated.
The incident has drawn criticism from public figures, including Omoyele Sowore and Peter Obi, who condemned the militaryโs involvement in civilian land matters. Sowore described it as a misuse of military authority, while Obi viewed it as symptomatic of deeper institutional decay.
Despite the backlash, Wike maintained that his administration is guided by legal principles and will not tolerate any obstruction of duly allocated land. He stressed the need for institutional cooperation and civilian supremacy in governance.
