NIGERIA: Wike Blasts Retired Naval Chief For ‘Impunity’ In Abuja Land Row

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has fiercely defended his confrontation with a naval officer over a disputed plot of land in Abuja, accusing a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd), of deploying serving personnel to guard the property in a brazen act of impunity.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike condemned the retired officer’s actions and vowed never to tolerate attacks on government officials while he holds office.

The incident stemmed from a heated exchange on Tuesday at No. 1946, Gaduwa District, where Wike accused Lieutenant A.M. Yerima of assaulting staff from the Federal Capital Development Authority who had moved to stop illegal construction on the land.

The minister said he personally visited the site after reports that directors were being beaten, insisting he could not remain in his office while public servants faced such aggression. He questioned how anyone could expect him to ignore the harassment of senior officials carrying out lawful duties.

Wike singled out the retired naval chief for using active-duty officers to obstruct enforcement, contrasting the behavior with that of other prominent Nigerians who handle land disputes through dialogue. He cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma as examples of influential figures who simply pick up the phone to resolve issues rather than resort to intimidation or violence.

The minister expressed outrage at the naval officer’s alleged dismissal of police on the scene as “bloody police,” reminding him that the same government officials he derided were instrumental in his career.

Despite the sharp words, Wike emphasized his deep respect for the Nigerian military as an institution, clarifying that his grievance was strictly with a private individual abusing privilege.

He rejected any suggestion of tension with the armed forces, affirming his understanding of their critical role and insisting the matter remained a personal land dispute, not a challenge to military authority.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of land administration in the FCT, where powerful interests often clash with regulatory efforts.