…Alleges Buratai’s 2019 election plot
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned what he described as acts of intimidation by security personnel, while insisting he has no quarrel with the Nigerian military over a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Wike said the confrontation arose when soldiers allegedly attached to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd), blocked officials of the FCT Department of Development Control from enforcing a stop-work order on Plot 1946.
“I instructed that all work on that plot should stop immediately because there were no valid approvals. But soldiers came and drove our officials away. I will not tolerate intimidation”, Wike said.
He alleged that the land was originally designated for recreational use, not residential development, accusing the retired naval chief of illegally selling it and assaulting government officials.
In a startling claim, Wike also accused former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), of plotting to rig the 2019 Rivers governorship election against him. “He directed his GOC to rig my election and to kill me. He failed,” Wike said.
However, the Minister dismissed suggestions that he was at war with the military, clarifying that the dispute was with a private individual, not the institution. “I have respect for the military. Anyone saying I have a problem with them is wrong”, he stated.
Wike maintained that his actions were guided strictly by law. “You are told to obey legal orders, not illegal ones. Government cannot function in a lawless society”, he emphasised.
Reacting to the controversy, lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi said Nigerians’ reactions to the clash reflect public resentment toward authority. “Nigerians will applaud anyone that discomforts their oppressors”, he posted on X.
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, vowing to enforce the law without fear or favour. “I stand by the side of the law. Abuja must reflect the image of a disciplined and lawful nation”, he stated.
