By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
A dramatic confrontation unfolded at Gaduwa District, along the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way corridor in Abuja on Tuesday, as FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, faced off against Nigerian Navy officers while inspecting illegal construction activities.
Accompanied by the Director of Development Control, Town Planner Mukhtar Galadima, Barr. Wike visited the site to halt unauthorized developments when naval personnel blocked their access. The officers claimed they were acting on orders from a former Chief of Naval Staff, allegedly involved in the construction without proper land title documents or development approval.
The tense standoff drew immediate attention as the Minister stood firm, refusing to be intimidated. “The FCT Administration will not yield to blackmail or pressure. Illegal development will not be tolerated simply because someone held a high military position,” he declared.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Barr. Wike condemned the use of military force to shield illegal land acquisition, asking: “How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about ordinary citizens who don’t have security protection?”
The Minister confirmed that he has already engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him they would intervene to resolve the situation. He reiterated that the FCTA will continue to enforce the law, ensuring that no one, regardless of influence, can bypass regulations.
The standoff at Gaduwa District highlights the growing tension between enforcement authorities and influential individuals attempting to exploit military connections, underscoring the FCT Administration’s commitment to lawful urban development, according to a statement signed by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director, Press, Office of the Hon. Minister, FCTA.
