The clash between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during a recent land enforcement activity in Abuja has generated diverse reactions nationwide.
A video circulating online shows Minister Wike engaged in a heated dispute with soldiers who were guarding a contested property, allegedly connected to the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). The confrontation began when Wike and FCTA officials tried to access the disputed area. When a soldier opposed his instruction, Wike, clearly infuriated, shouted at the officer, telling him to “Shut up!” and calling him a “fool.” He also claimed that the situation would have resulted in violence if not for the intervention of the CDS.
This footage has triggered a public debate regarding the behaviour of both the Minister and the soldier. Wike’s supporters praised his tough stance against illegal actions, while critics argued that his method showed a disregard for institutional respect and self-control.
Wike’s Defence
Following the incident, Minister Wike released a statement condemning the “lawless and unacceptable” illegal occupation of the Abuja land by military personnel, which he claimed was ordered by the retired Naval Chief. Wike insisted that no one, regardless of status, could hinder the enforcement of Abuja’s development laws, noting that the developers failed to produce valid documents. He explained that he visited the site personally after soldiers reportedly prevented FCTA officials from carrying out their duties. Wike added that he reached out to both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to resolve the situation, as he pledged to continue reclaiming illegally encroached government land.
Calls for Disciplinary Action Against the Soldier
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe condemned the soldier’s confrontation and called for him to be dismissed for insubordination, questioning the source of his authority.
Criticism of Wike’s Conduct
Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka disagreed with Wike’s approach, accusing him of exceeding his authority. Chidoka stated that a minister personally enforcing a directive was a “fundamental misstep” and that abusing a uniformed officer diminishes the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. He suggested Wike should have formally communicated with the Minister of Defence instead of engaging in a verbal conflict, which he warned corrodes discipline. Chidoka also criticized Wike’s security detail for failing to de-escalate the situation.
Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani urged Wike to avoid “performative confrontations” with security personnel, even while commending his work in Abuja.
A Coalition of Military Veterans denounced Wike’s outburst and insulting language, calling it unbecoming of a public official. The veterans demanded that Wike publicly apologise for calling the officer “a fool,” arguing that the officer represents the Nigerian state. They also warned that they would protest and occupy the FCT Minister’s office and residence if the soldier faced any disciplinary action.
Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai outright condemned Wike’s action, labeling his public disparagement of a uniformed officer a “threat to national security” that undermines institutional integrity and the chain of command. Buratai urged Wike to apologize to the President and the officer.
CSO Condemnation of Military Misuse
The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) condemned the alleged deployment of soldiers by the former Naval Chief to guard the disputed private land, calling it unconstitutional and a sign of a “failed system.” The group cited the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the military can only aid civil authorities when directed by the President, not for private land disputes. CRRAN urged the military to prioritize fighting insurgency and banditry in troubled parts of the country.
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