A viral video of the clash at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, shows the enraged minister confronting an unidentified officer over a property linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is facing renewed criticism after a heated confrontation with a military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident at Gaduwa District, Abuja on Tuesday.
A viral video of the clash at Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, shows the enraged minister confronting an unidentified officer over a property linked to retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Wike accused the officer of illegally claiming the land, questioning why the military would assert ownership simply because it was associated with a former naval chief.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike demanded.
The officer, dressed in camouflage, insisted the acquisition was lawful. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he replied.
Wike, visibly angered, told him to be quiet, prompting the officer to respond, “I will not shut up.” The minister shot back, “You are a very big fool. As of the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The officer maintained he was acting on official orders, which led Wike to warn: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.” Armed personnel had blocked access to the plot, preventing the FCTA’s bulldozers from carrying out demolition.
After making several calls, Wike eventually withdrew but warned that illegal construction on the land would not continue. He later told journalists that the officer was using his military background to intimidate government officials and stressed that the officers could not produce valid documents authorizing the development.
“What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security?” Wike asked. “It has gotten to a level where, when government officials are carrying out their job, you go and bring security to intimidate them. And this government official—I will not accept that.”
He confirmed having contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him the matter would be resolved peacefully.
