Wike Defends Clash With Naval Officer Says He Respects Military But Demands Justice

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, over a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

Speaking to journalists before the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Wike accused the retired naval chief of using serving military personnel to guard a private property, describing the act as an abuse of power.

The minister said he intervened after receiving reports that senior government officials were assaulted while carrying out enforcement duties. He questioned how a serving minister could ignore such incidents involving public officers under his supervision.

Wike condemned the alleged conduct of the naval officer, who reportedly referred to police officers at the scene as “bloody police.” He said such behavior was unacceptable from anyone in uniform and disrespectful to the institutions that uphold public service.

He compared the incident with how respected figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General T.Y. Danjuma have handled similar land disputes by contacting authorities rather than deploying soldiers.

Wike maintained that he holds deep respect for the Nigerian military as an institution but insisted that no one, regardless of status, should be above the law. He said his disagreement was not with the armed forces but with individuals using state power for personal interests.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to due process, saying his actions were guided by responsibility and a duty to protect government officials from intimidation and abuse while performing their lawful duties.