The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will continue to take actions that may cause his political opponents to lose sleep, as long as he is acting within the law. Wike made this statement during a media briefing on Thursday, following the FCT Executive Committee meeting.
The briefing was held in response to a recent incident involving a land dispute in the Gaduwa area of Abuja. A plot of land originally allocated for parks and recreation was being altered by its owner, a former Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo. Despite efforts by FCT Administration officials to stop the illegal conversion, they were prevented from doing so by military officers who were drafted to the site.
Wike, accompanied by his team, visited the site to address the issue but was denied access by a Naval officer, Lieutenant AM Yerima, and other military personnel. The situation escalated into a heated argument, which has since sparked a national outcry.
Regarding the incident, Wike expressed no regret for his actions, stating that he will continue to take a strong stance against any opposition, regardless of their political affiliation. “I have no regrets, as long as I know I’m standing by the law,” he said. “If you like to bring any ethnicity or coloration into it, that’s your business.”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the FCT Administration in enforcing land use regulations and maintaining order in the capital city. The Minister’s statement suggests that he will continue to prioritize upholding the law, even if it means facing opposition from various quarters.
The dispute over the land allocation has raised questions about the role of military personnel in civilian matters and the need for effective collaboration between government agencies to address land use issues. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the FCT Administration will balance its efforts to enforce the law with the need to maintain social order and stability in the capital city.