Lawyers and CSO Clash with Soldiers Over Wike Altercation

Public Outcry Over FCT Minister’s Confrontation with Military Officer

Lawyers and members of a civil society group have strongly criticized the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his recent altercation with a military officer. The incident occurred during the demolition of a property belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, raising concerns about the minister’s conduct and the implications for governance.

Civil Society’s Response

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), condemned the minister’s actions, calling them “disgraceful and unbecoming of a public office holder.” He emphasized that Wike’s behavior amounted to an abuse of power and disrespect for the Nigerian military institution.

Rafsanjani stated that Wike’s actions were unacceptable and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution him. He argued that the minister’s behavior could erode public confidence in government institutions and tarnish the reputation of the office of a minister.

He also referenced allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe and others that Wike had been reallocating lands to cronies. This, he said, was not good for the government and called on the president to take action against Wike.

Legal Perspectives

Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) pointed out that the situation highlighted a systemic problem in the Nigerian polity. He suggested that the matter could have been better managed and warned that might has trumped officialdom in such scenarios.

Jibrin S. Jibrin, Esq., added that the FCT minister’s action was improper and avoidable. He emphasized that the law provides ample provisions for addressing such matters and that following due process would have resolved the issue without the overdramatization witnessed.

He also reiterated that any developer of a landed property must obtain prior permission from the relevant agencies before commencing work. According to him, proceeding without such approval is illegal.

FCTA’s Stance

The FCT Director of Development Control Department, Mukhtar Galadima, clarified that the property in question was not allocated by the FCT Administration. The department also stated that the land lacked building approval and should not be developed.

Building approval, according to the report, is a document given by the Development Control Department to certify that a developer can proceed with work on a particular structure. Where a building is being developed without such approval, the law empowers the department to demolish it but not to revoke the land.

Wike’s Actions

Daily Trust reported that the minister went to the site when he was informed that officials of the Department of Development Control had been prevented from demolishing the structure. Wike stepped out of his vehicle and demanded to be allowed in, insisting he had come to inspect an “illegal construction.”

The soldiers stood their ground, with their leader asserting that he was under strict orders “from above” not to permit entry. The atmosphere charged up as Wike demanded, “Who gave you the order?” and raised his voice as he advanced toward the officer.

The young officer, refusing to back down, responded, “Sir, you cannot tell me to keep quiet. I am a commissioned officer.” The minister retorted, “You’re a fool!” Unfazed, the soldier replied, “I am not a fool, sir, and you have no right to call me one.”

The tense exchange ended with Wike turning away in anger and leaving the scene, but not before addressing journalists who were present. He described the soldiers’ presence as “illegal” and expressed frustration over the situation.

Wike maintained that the government would not tolerate impunity or lawlessness, regardless of the personalities involved. He assured that the FCTA’s efforts to curb illegal developments would continue without fear or favor.

Wike’s Tenure and Land Administration in FCT

The latest confrontation is one of the most dramatic episodes yet in Wike’s ongoing crackdown on what he describes as unauthorized land acquisitions in the capital. His campaign has seen several high-profile demolitions and investigations into some property deals since he assumed office in 2023.

However, Wike has also faced accusations of land grabbing and arbitrary revocations, which his administration has denied. He has also been at loggerheads with some property owners at the nation’s capital over ground rents.

Only on Monday, he imposed a ₦5 million fine on violators of land use in some parts of the city centre.