The confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during a land enforcement exercise in Abuja on Tuesday has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria.
In a viral video, Wike was seen exchanging harsh words with soldiers guarding a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). The altercation reportedly began when the minister and Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials attempted to access the site but were stopped by the soldiers.
During the heated exchange, Wike accused the developers of lacking ownership documents and building approval, calling the soldiers’ actions illegal. The visibly angry minister was heard saying, “Shut up! Keep quiet! You are a fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school… You send soldiers to intimidate who? We are all from this country.”
The video has drawn mixed reactions nationwide, with some defending Wike’s firmness while others condemned his tone and handling of the situation.
Wike Defends His Action
Reacting to the incident, Wike said the military’s occupation of the land was unlawful and unacceptable. In a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister accused the soldiers of acting under the instruction of a former naval chief.
“When this issue was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place there since there were no legal documents or approvals. Unfortunately, soldiers chased our officials away,” he said.
Wike added that despite reaching out to security authorities, soldiers returned to block FCTA officials. “I will not allow lawlessness. Nobody, whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else, will carry out illegal development on government land,” he said.
APC Chieftain, Chidoka, Shehu Sani, Others React
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, called for the dismissal of the soldier involved, describing his conduct as insubordination.
“Who is this man in uniform? His uniform has to be removed,” Igbokwe wrote on Facebook.
However, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, faulted Wike’s approach, saying the minister overstepped his authority. He argued that trading insults with a uniformed officer undermines institutional order. “A formal communication to the Minister of Defence would have sufficed,” Chidoka said.
Similarly, former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, advised Wike to avoid “performative confrontations” with soldiers, warning that such actions could send the wrong signal. “Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja, but he should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers,” Sani posted on X.
Military Veterans, CSOs, and Buratai Condemn Wike’s Outburst
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans also criticised Wike’s conduct, describing his remarks as disrespectful to the armed forces. The group’s spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, demanded an apology from the minister and warned against punishing the soldier involved.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” the group threatened.
The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) also condemned the alleged use of soldiers to guard a private property, calling it unconstitutional. The group’s president, Olu Omotayo, said the action violated Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution, which restricts military deployment for civil duties without presidential approval.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), described Wike’s conduct as a threat to national security, saying his outburst against a uniformed officer “undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the morale of the armed forces.”
Buratai urged Wike to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the officer involved, adding, “The integrity of our armed forces must be protected at all costs.”
The confrontation continues to generate debate over the limits of ministerial authority, civil-military relations, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s capital.
