The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his confrontation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a naval officer, over a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike condemned what he described as an act of impunity by the retired naval chief, whom he accused of deploying serving military officers to guard a contested property.
Responding to criticism over his personal visit to the site, the minister said he could not remain passive while government officials were being assaulted in the line of duty.
“How can I, as a minister, sit in my office when government officials — including directors — are being attacked and beaten up? What kind of leader would that make me?” Wike queried.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a heated exchange between Wike and the naval officer at Plot No. 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja — a property reportedly claimed by the retired naval chief.
According to reports, FCT officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had gone to halt ongoing construction on the site when they were allegedly assaulted by naval personnel guarding the property.
Wike, who arrived at the scene shortly afterward, confronted the officer and accused the retired admiral of using military connections to obstruct lawful enforcement by the FCT Administration.
“No one is above the law,” Wike said. “It is unacceptable for anyone — retired or serving — to use the military to intimidate government workers or resist legitimate authority. The era of impunity in Abuja is over.”
The confrontation, captured in a viral video, sparked widespread public debate, with many Nigerians divided over Wike’s approach.
While some commended his hands-on leadership style, others criticized what they described as unnecessary aggression from the minister.
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