Wike Clarifies Clash with Soldiers over Abuja Land Dispute, Accuses Buratai of Hypocrisy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has provided clarification on the recent confrontation with military personnel over an alleged illegal land development in Abuja. Addressing the controversy, Wike stated that he could not have written formally to the Nigerian military regarding the matter since the individual involved, retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, is now a private citizen.

Wike explained that he intervened after reports emerged that armed soldiers were allegedly intimidating and obstructing government officials at the disputed site. He described the incident as unfortunate and reiterated that the laws governing the Federal Capital Territory apply equally to all citizens, regardless of rank or former office.

The Minister recalled that other senior military figures, including former Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chief of Army Staff General Theophilus Danjuma, had previously approached him directly to address land-related issues through lawful channels.

Responding to remarks credited to former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), who labeled the confrontation a threat to national security, Wike accused him of hypocrisy. He alleged that Buratai once ordered a General Officer Commanding to rig his 2019 re-election and have him eliminated. “Buratai cannot lecture me on decency,” Wike declared.

Wike reaffirmed his position that he would not be intimidated by political opponents and warned that no form of ethnic or religious manipulation would succeed against his administration’s enforcement of FCT laws.