Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to succumb to intimidation or blackmail after an encounter with soldiers who reportedly blocked his access to a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
A viral video showed Wike confronting a soldier who insisted he had been ordered not to let the Minister enter the property. The exchange drew public attention, raising questions about the use of military personnel in a civil matter.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, Wike disclosed that the soldiers acted on the instructions of a former Chief of Naval Staff. He expressed shock that a retired senior officer would resort to such actions rather than following due process.
“The officer said he was sent by the former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how someone who once held that position cannot approach my office to explain the situation,” Wike said.
He condemned what he described as an attempt to use security forces to obstruct lawful government activities, insisting that he would not be intimidated.
“Is it because he is a military man that he feels he can use soldiers to intimidate Nigerians? I am not one of those who will bow to blackmail or threats,” the Minister stated.
Wike added that any claim of ownership must be backed by proper documentation and legal procedures, not force. “Where are the documents?” he asked. “You can’t stop government officials from doing their work and then bring in soldiers to block them. That’s unacceptable.”
The FCT Minister reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing Abuja’s land administration laws and ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.
