The recent clash between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during an enforcement exercise in Abuja has triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria.

A viral video circulating online shows Wike in a heated argument with soldiers over access to a disputed property in the capital city. The confrontation occurred when officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) tried to access a piece of land reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

The Confrontation

In the footage, Wike is seen arguing with uniformed soldiers guarding the site. He accused the developers of lacking valid ownership documents or building approval. The situation escalated when one of the soldiers resisted his directive, prompting Wike to angrily respond:

“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… If not for the CDS who spoke to me now, you would have to kill everybody here.”

The video has since gone viral, sparking debate over the conduct of both the Minister and the military personnel.

Support and Criticism Trail the Incident

Supporters of the FCT Minister praised his firmness in enforcing Abuja’s land laws. However, critics accused him of showing disrespect toward the armed forces and failing to demonstrate restraint.

Wike Defends His Action

Reacting to the incident, Minister Nyesom Wike condemned what he described as the illegal occupation of government land by soldiers allegedly acting under the instructions of a former naval chief.

In a statement shared by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, on Facebook, Wike described the situation as “lawless and unacceptable.” He vowed that no individual, regardless of status, would be allowed to violate Abuja’s development regulations.

“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.

The minister added that he personally visited the site after reports that soldiers had blocked FCTA officials from carrying out their duties.

“How can someone who once occupied such a high office use soldiers to intimidate people? I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike said.

Wike further disclosed that the developers failed to present ownership papers or building approval, insisting the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached lands in the city.

Political and Public Reactions

APC Chieftain Demands Disciplinary Action

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe condemned the military officer’s response to Wike, describing it as an act of insubordination. In a Facebook post, he demanded disciplinary action, saying the officer’s “uniform should be removed.”

Chidoka Faults Wike’s Approach

Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka disagreed, accusing Wike of overstepping his authority. In a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law,” Chidoka said the FCT Minister should have acted through official channels rather than engaging directly with the soldiers.

“To abuse such an officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself,” Chidoka said.

He added that ministers must operate through established institutions, warning that personal interventions could “corrode discipline and confuse hierarchy.”

Shehu Sani Cautions Against “Stunts”

Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani advised Wike to avoid confrontations with soldiers, even while commending his development efforts in Abuja.

“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja, but he should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers,” Sani said on X.

Military Veterans Condemn Wike

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans also condemned the minister’s outburst, describing it as an insult to the military institution.

Spokesperson Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts said Wike’s language was unbecoming of a public official.

“How can a minister call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” he asked. “He should have contacted the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than trying to disgrace a retired senior officer.”

The veterans threatened to protest if the soldier involved was punished and demanded that Wike issue a public apology.

CSO Describes Incident as a Sign of System Failure

The Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) criticized the alleged use of soldiers to guard a disputed private property, calling it unconstitutional.

CRRAN president Olu Omotayo described the act as “an assault on the rule of law” and a “clear sign of a failed system.”

He emphasized that under the Nigerian Constitution, the military can only act in aid of civil authorities when officially directed by the President and under conditions set by the National Assembly.

“The deployment of troops over a land matter is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” Omotayo said.

Buratai: Wike’s Action Threatens National Security

Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai also condemned the minister’s actions, describing them as a threat to national security and institutional integrity.

“Wike’s public disparagement of a uniformed officer undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and damages the morale of the Armed Forces,” Buratai stated.

He urged Wike to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the officer involved, stressing that the integrity of Nigeria’s military must be preserved.