Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Nigerian military for what he described as a “misplacement of priorities” following an altercation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and military personnel guarding a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
A viral video of the confrontation, which surfaced on Tuesday, showed Wike visibly angry as he confronted armed soldiers who reportedly prevented him from accessing the property. The minister insisted that no one—regardless of their military status—was above the law.
Reports indicate the land belongs to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.), whose alleged claim to the property sparked the face-off that has since ignited heated public debate.
Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore faulted the military’s involvement, accusing the authorities of prioritising elite interests over national security.
“The military’s primary duty is to protect Nigeria’s borders, not to guard private property for a retired naval officer,” Sowore wrote.
“This pathetic situation exposes the entrenched self-interest among public officials who serve a privileged few at the expense of national protection — and Wike is no exception.”
The activist also drew parallels with Wike’s past controversies, recalling an incident during his tenure as Rivers State governor, when he allegedly obstructed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives attempting to arrest a judge.
“As governor, Wike once blocked EFCC officers—gun blazing—from arresting a corrupt judge friend of his. What a country!” Sowore added.
His remarks sparked intense reactions across social media. While many applauded his criticism of political impunity, others argued that the confrontation between the minister and the military required further investigation before drawing conclusions.
In a related development, political commentator and social media influencer Zara Onyinye also weighed in, taking aim at former Aviation Minister and PDP chieftain Osita Chidoka, who had called on Wike to apologise to the military officer involved.
In a Facebook post, Onyinye described Chidoka’s position as “intellectually inconsistent,” questioning his interpretation of the relationship between security officers and presidential authority.
The Abuja land dispute continues to draw national attention as Nigerians debate the limits of military authority and political power within civilian spaces.
About the Author
