Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has denied claims that he has a personal issue with the military following a recent disagreement with a naval officer at a disputed land in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Minister Wike said the FCT Administration would not yield to intimidation or allow any individual to violate land regulations or obstruct government officials performing their duties.
He said his actions were guided by law and not by personal feelings.
“You are told to obey legal things. So, if, because you are a security aide to a former president or whoever, and then you shoot at someone, you think you will not be charged for murder because it is a former president that gave you the order?” Wike said.
He added that he respects the military and has no issue with them.
“So anybody trying to bring 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,” he said.
The minister said the matter had been exaggerated by those attempting to portray him as being at odds with the military.
He explained that the FCT Administration’s role was to protect the Abuja master plan and ensure that all developments comply with approved land use regulations.
According to him, those who obtained land for agricultural purposes but converted it to residential or commercial use without approval would face the law.
“Government cannot function in a lawless society. If we allow one person to violate the rules because of who he is, others will follow. That is how impunity begins. We must learn to obey the law irrespective of who is involved,” Wike said.
He added that the FCTA had previously engaged the military hierarchy on land matters, which were always resolved through institutional channels and mutual understanding.
“Whenever there is a matter that concerns the military, I know who to talk to – the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs or even the President. We resolve issues institutionally, not through confrontation,” he said.
Wike also urged journalists to report accurately and verify information before publication.
“Report us accurately. Do investigative journalism. Don’t twist facts or take statements out of context,” he said.
He recalled intervening in similar issues during his tenure as Rivers State governor to prevent security operatives from violating citizens’ rights, adding that his approach remained the same.
“You can’t make everybody happy, even in your own house. But once your conscience is clear that you are doing the right thing, you stand by it,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s goal of restoring order to the FCT, saying enforcement against illegal developments and land violations would continue.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria – disciplined, planned and lawful,” he said.
