The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his clash with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a naval officer, over a disputed land in Gaduwa, Abuja allegedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike said he acted to protect government officials from being attacked during enforcement activities.
“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.
PUNCH Online had reported that Wike confronted the naval officer over alleged assault on staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority who tried to stop illegal development on the land. Wike condemned the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful government actions.
He also compared the situation with how former Nigerian leaders handled similar issues, saying: “Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, will simply call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it. That is a former head of state — a former president — who has the courtesy to call the minister. General T.Y. Danjuma will do the same. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. They just call.”
Wike criticised the naval officer for reportedly referring to police officers at the scene as “bloody police,” saying such language was unacceptable from a commissioned officer.
Despite the confrontation, Wike emphasised his respect for the military, clarifying that the issue was with a private individual, not the armed forces. “I have respect for the military, and I’ll continue to respect them. I know what the institution stands for. I’m not a fool; I went to school. So anyone trying to suggest I have problems with them is wrong. I have no problem with the military, and I never will. Why would I have issues with the government? But this is a private matter,” he said.
