Africa-Press – Nigeria. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has condemned the alleged forceful takeover of a disputed parcel of land in Abuja by military personnel said to be acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Wike, who visited the site on Tuesday after receiving reports that soldiers had chased away officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration enforcing development control directives, described the action as lawless and unacceptable.
The minister said no individual, regardless of their past position, would be allowed to intimidate government officials or obstruct the enforcement of the law.
“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” Wike said. “When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents—no regional approval, no valid acquisition.”
He said officials of the Department of Development Control were chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting on the instruction of the retired senior officer.
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally. Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate,” he said.
Wike expressed disappointment that someone who once held a top military position could resort to intimidation instead of following due process.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he stated.
He added that the individuals occupying the site failed to produce any legal documents when asked by the Development Control officials.
“The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’ they don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building’ they don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?” he queried.
The minister stressed that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the misuse of military influence to obstruct legitimate urban regulation, insisting that the rule of law must apply equally to all.
“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos,” Wike said.
“But I will not allow this to happen. The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here. Nobody whether a former Chief of Naval Staff or anyone else will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land.”
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order and accountability in Abuja’s land administration, warning that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached areas regardless of the status of those involved.
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