Wike, Military Clash Over Alleged Illegal Development In Gaduwa District

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, today engaged in a heated confrontation with some military personnel over an alleged illegal development on Plot 1946, Buffer Transit, Southern Parkway, Gaduwa District, Abuja.

The plot, said to belong to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), was reportedly under investigation by the FCT Department of Development Control for lacking necessary building approvals and legal acquisition documents.

Wike, who visited the site in the company of senior FCTA officials, was prevented from gaining access by armed Naval officers who had mounted a blockade with a military truck at the entrance to prevent the Development Control Bulldozers from carrying out the demolition exercise.

As the Minister eventually gained access, he condemned what he described as an act of intimidation and disregard for constituted authority.

“I am not one of those kind of persons that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation. Bring the approval for the building, you don’t have it. And how can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security?

“It has gotten to a level where when government officials are carrying out their job, you go and bring security to intimidate them. And these are government officials. I will not accept that” Wike noted.

He expressed dismay that soldiers could obstruct government officials from performing their lawful duties, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the rule of law.

“When this was brought to my attention, I directed Development Control to ensure that no construction continues without proper approval. I was informed that the military had chased them away earlier. That’s why I came personally to confirm what was happening,” he explained.

The Minister also revealed that he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the issue would be resolved amicably.

“We are not here for a shootout or chaos, but we will not allow any illegal development, no matter who is involved,” Wike maintained.

One of the military officers at the site, who insisted that the property was legally acquired, noted that he was merely following directives and expressed displeasure over being called a fool by the FCT Minister during the encounter.

With round pegs in round holes, it is expected that both the Ministry of Defence and FCTA officials will resolve the matter amicably through official channels.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji