Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday confronted military officers guarding an ongoing illegal construction allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo (retd), as he moved to enforce land use laws and protect Abuja’s master plan.
The face-off occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, where operatives of the FCT Department of Development Control, led by its Director, Mukhtar Galadima, were obstructed from halting what officials described as an “unauthorised development.”
ThisNigeria learnt that the team was repelled by military personnel stationed at the site to protect the disputed property.
The obstruction prompted Wike to personally visit the location, where he met armed naval officers allegedly acting on the orders of the retired service chief.
Speaking with journalists after the confrontation, Wike condemned the brazen disregard for the law by individuals who use security connections to perpetrate illegality.
“The Land Department and Development Control have a mandate to identify and stop illegal developments and land grabbing.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I instructed that work should stop immediately, since there were no legal documents, no original approval, or even valid acquisition of the land,” he said.
The Minister expressed shock that the enforcement team had been chased away by military officers earlier, a situation he described as “unacceptable and unfortunate.”
“I was informed that the military had taken over the place. I had to come personally to confirm it. You heard what the officers said — that the former Chief of Naval Staff sent them. I find it very disappointing,” Wike lamented.
He criticised the former naval chief for attempting to use his military influence to intimidate government officials.
“I don’t understand how someone who once held such a high office cannot approach my office for clarification, but instead deploys soldiers to intimidate legitimate authorities. That era is gone. I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he said.
The Minister further queried the lack of proper documentation for the land and building approval.
“You cannot provide proof of ownership or development approval, yet you want to proceed with construction. How can we continue to allow lawlessness? What about ordinary citizens who don’t have military backing? We must not allow impunity to thrive,” he stated.
Wike disclosed that he had already reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff to resolve the impasse amicably, but vowed that the FCT Administration would not bow to pressure.
“I’ve spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to cause chaos or exchange gunfire, but we will not allow illegality to stand,” he affirmed.
The confrontation briefly turned chaotic, as security operatives from multiple agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye; the Department of State Services (DSS); and officials of the Development Control, clashed verbally with the naval officers led by Lieutenant A.M. Yarima, who had barred entry to the site.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Wike reiterated that his administration would continue its crackdown on illegal developments and restore order in Abuja.
“Abuja must be a city governed by law, not by connections or intimidation. No one, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to distort the master plan,” he declared.
