Wike Clarifies Abuja Land Dispute, Accuses Buratai of Hypocrisy Over Security Comments
By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent actions during a confrontation involving armed military personnel at a disputed plot of land in Abuja, asserting that he acted within the bounds of his authority as FCT Minister.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Wike explained that the individual developing the contentious property, retired former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, is now a private citizen. He stressed that there was therefore no basis to formally communicate with the Nigerian military regarding enforcement activities on the land.
“I could not have written to the military because Vice Admiral Gambo is retired. He is now a private citizen like everyone else,” Wike stated. “What happened was unfortunate, but the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory must be respected by all citizens, no matter their former positions.”
The Minister said he could not “stand by or remain in [his] office” while government officials performing legitimate duties were allegedly harassed and intimidated by armed soldiers stationed at the site. He reiterated that due process and the rule of law must guide land administration in the FCT.
Wike recalled that in the past, prominent figures such as former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, had reached out directly to him to resolve land-related matters peacefully and lawfully.
Responding to comments attributed to former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), who described the confrontation as a potential threat to national security, Wike accused the retired general of hypocrisy. He alleged that Buratai once instructed a General Officer Commanding (GOC) to rig his re-election and eliminate him during the 2019 general elections.
“Buratai cannot lecture me on decency,” Wike declared. “This is someone who once directed a GOC to rig elections and have me killed. I have no regrets confronting anyone when it comes to defending the law.”
The Minister further stated that attempts to use ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation against him would fail, emphasizing that his actions were driven purely by the need to uphold order and legality in the nation’s capital.
“I will not be intimidated. Abuja belongs to all Nigerians, and the law must be obeyed by everyone,” Wike added.
