Following reports that soldiers had taken control of a disputed land, allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), dramatic scene occurred on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike visited Plot 1946 situated in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
It was gathered that during the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed outrage that officials from the FCT Department of Development Control had been chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order previously issued by his office.
It was also gathered that the soldiers, led by Naval Lt. A. M. Yarima, had blocked access to the site with a truck and physically prevented the minister from entering.
Wike stated that the site was flagged after FCT authorities discovered that the developers had no valid documents or legal approvals.
According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, the property had not been allocated by the FCT Administration and lacked proper ownership or building permits.
As Wike’s convoy approached the fenced plot, uniformed soldiers reportedly moved to deny him entry.
What ensued after was war of words between the minister and the naval officers
The minister stepped out of his vehicle, insisting he was there to inspect an illegal construction, but the soldiers stood firm, with their leader asserting he was acting on strict orders “from above.”
“Who gave you the order?” Wike demanded, as he advanced toward the officer.
The Naval Lt. A. M Yarima, refusing to back down, responded sharply:
“Sir, you cannot tell me to keep quiet. I am a commissioned officer.”
The soldier replied, “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one.”
The tense exchange ended with Wike turning away in anger and leaving the scene.
Wike said, “You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away”, he said.
Wike said he was surprised to learn that the soldiers, allegedly acting on the instructions of the former Naval Chief, had taken over the property.
“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation, but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation”, he added.
According to him, when development control officials asked for the necessary land documents and building approvals, none were produced.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” Wike queried.
The minister, who condemned any attempt to use security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his watch, disclosed that he had already spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.
