Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has reiterated his respect for the Nigerian military but stressed that the armed forces must operate within the law.
Mr Wike, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, insisted that FCTA would not condone lawlessness by military officers, serving or retired.
“I have respect for the military. I will continue to respect them because I know what they stand for,” said Mr Wike.
“So anybody trying to bring a collision there, to say, ‘Oh, he is having a problem with the military,’ it is not correct. I don’t have a problem with the military, and I will not have a problem.”
His comments followed Tuesday’s confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who denied him access to a disputed land, allegedly belonging to a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo.
The minister urged Nigerians to learn to obey the law, adding that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any attempt to violate land use regulations or obstruct government officials performing their lawful duties.
He explained that his actions were guided strictly by law, not by sentiment or emotion, adding that there were no documents to prove the military owned the land.
The minister attributed the controversy that followed the incident to people who were unhappy with his handling of land matters, particularly his political enemies.
He maintained that he only intervened after top officials of the FCTA were assaulted while carrying out their official duties.
“As a minister, I won’t sit in my office while those working with me are being attacked. Yes, I have wounded some people politically, and I have no regret about it. Yes, people are not happy over it.
“So when things happen like this, people will say all manner of things,” he said.
Mr Wike disclosed that the FCTA had, in the past, engaged the military hierarchy, including a former head of state and president, on similar matters, adding that the issues were handled with mutual respect and understanding.
He recalled that when the police had a similar issue, he personally visited the site where buildings were being constructed under a power line, and the Inspector-General of Police ensured the construction was stopped.
“A former president had the courtesy of calling me and said, ‘I have this problem. See how you can look into it.’
“Another general will call you. Look at this and this. These are people; they are all retired generals. These are people with discipline.
“They didn’t bother because they were former chief of army staff or former presidents. They never sent soldiers; they never sent anybody to go and attack anybody,” Mr Wike said.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to developing the FCT in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring order and sanity to the nation’s capital.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria—disciplined, planned, and lawful,” Mr Wike declared.