Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly addressed a recent confrontation with Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yarima over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja, linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.). The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, saw Wike and FCT officials clash with armed military personnel who were allegedly preventing access to Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, where illegal construction was reportedly underway.

Wike made his statements on Thursday at a media briefing following the FCT Executive Committee meeting, reacting to the Tuesday incident and the subsequent public outcry. He maintained that a true officer of the law must not carry out an illegal order, emphasizing that even if an order is legal, the action itself might be illegal. He cited an instance where he amicably resolved a building dispute involving the Nigeria police and an electric high tension line, illustrating that issues can be settled without confrontation.

The Minister revealed his expectations for Lt. Yarima during their encounter, stating that as a representative of the President, he should have been met with decorum and an offer to consult superiors to resolve the matter. Wike expressed outrage that FCT Department of Development Control officials had been chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order issued by his office. He questioned how he could sit idly as Minister while government officials, including directors, were allegedly attacked and beaten for carrying out their lawful duties, asserting that such inaction would deter officials from performing their responsibilities.

Defending his visit to the site, Wike clarified that he respects institutions, particularly the military, but asserted his problem was with a private individual misusing soldiers. He strongly faulted the deployment of military personnel to guard private land disputes, contrasting this behavior with that of influential individuals like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and General Theophilus Danjuma, who, despite their stature, would rather call him to amicably resolve land issues instead of resorting to the use of soldiers or impunity. He stressed that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law and accused the naval personnel of using their uniforms to protect illegal buildings and obstruct legitimate government work. Wike also implied that the situation could have escalated into violence, stating, “If not for the Chief of Defence Staff, who just called me, there might have been casualties.”

During the heated verbal confrontation captured in videos, Lt. Yarima prevented Wike’s access, stating he was acting on orders. Wike reportedly used strong language, including calling the officer a “fool,” to which Yarima countered, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer.” Wike also accused the naval officer of referring to police officers on the scene as “bloody police,” criticizing such disrespect towards fellow government officials.

The incident ignited widespread public debate. While the Defence Headquarters posted a cryptic message on its X handle, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, praised Lt. Yarima, suggesting support for his actions, other reactions varied. Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, claimed that the former Chief of Naval Staff, Zubairu Gambo, was