By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his respect for the Nigerian military, but warned that he will not condone the use of armed forces to intimidate government officials or shield illegal activity.
This declaration is coming barely two days after his viral confrontation with a naval officers who stopped him from gaining access to a disputed property linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Addressing the some of the criticism that trailed the incident, the minister declared that he will uphold the rule of law in Abuja, even if it costs him his job, stressing that governance must not bend to intimidation, influence, or personal interest.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Wike insisted that principles, not influence or intimidation, must guide governance. “Gentlemen, I have great respect for the military and always will. I understand what discipline and structure represent. I’m not a fool. I went to school. So when people say I have problems with the military, that’s simply not true. I don’t, and I will not.
“If there’s ever an issue, I know where to go: the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army, Navy, or Air Force leadership or even the President himself. That’s how issues should be addressed, not through confrontation or misinformation. As a private citizen, I can’t be running to the President every time someone has a problem. That’s not governance. And that’s why I keep saying I don’t have problems with the military. There’s no such thing. But I also respect the President’s authority and his decisions.”
The minister who recounted the incident that warranted him visiting the disputed site, disclosed that oficials from the FCTA Department of Development Control had been obstructed while enforcing land-use laws on the property located at Plot 1946 Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa District.
“I was informed that soldiers had blocked our officials from accessing the site. I went there myself to see what was happening. They said they were acting on instructions from the former Chief of Naval Staff. How can someone who once held such a position prevent lawful enforcement through intimidation? That is abuse of power, and I will not tolerate it.”
Wike stressed that any dispute must be resolved through proper channels, not coercion. He condemned selective enforcement, insisting that the law applies to everyone, regardless of status or connection.
“Even if the person is highly placed, if they do not have legal documents or building approval, the law must apply. You cannot wake up in the morning and beat up government officials because you have connections. That is not acceptable. That is abuse of power.”
Wike highlighted the broader implications for governance, stressing that Abuja must be guided by its master plan and the rule of law.
“Government officials are here to enforce the law, not to be intimidated. If we allow lawlessness to prevail, what happens to ordinary Nigerians who have no soldiers or police to protect them? Government must be firm. That is what we are doing and we will continue to do.”
Reflecting on his time as governor of Rivers State, Wike emphasised that standing by the law has always been his guiding principle, regardless of political or personal cost.
“As long as my conscience is clear that I am doing the right thing, I will do it even if it costs me my job. I’m happy if I did the right thing. I will continue to enforce the law, no matter who is involved. That is my duty, and that is what leadership means.”
He also used the opportunity and urge Nigerians to always focus on facts rather than emotions or personal bias saying, “Stop talking without facts. Nobody checks the facts, nobody reads. Find out the situation before you seek publicity. Ask, ‘What happened? What are the facts?’
I am not bothered by criticism. As long as I am doing what is right, I will continue to step on toes when necessary.”
Wike reiterated that accountability, discipline, and fairness must guide all government actions lamenting that, “Government loses revenue while criminals get rewarded. That is not development. That is decay. I will continue to stand by the law, and I will continue to respect the military. But I will never tolerate abuse of power. That is my principle.”
