By Muhammed Akindele
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, stormed Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, after reports emerged that soldiers had taken over the disputed parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.)
During the unannounced visit, Wike expressed anger that officials of the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away from the site by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office.
The soldiers reportedly blocked access to the land with a truck and physically stopped the minister from entering the property.
Wike said he became aware of the situation after discovering that the developers working on the plot had no valid documents or legal approval for the project.
“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT,” Wike said.
“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away.”
The minister said he was shocked to learn that the soldiers, allegedly acting on the instructions of the retired Naval Chief, had taken over the site.
“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he added.
According to Wike, when development control officials demanded the necessary land documents and building approvals, none were presented.
He condemned what he described as the misuse of military personnel to obstruct legitimate government enforcement, stressing that no one is above the law.
“How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” he queried.
The minister said he had spoken with 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 confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.
