Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that he is in conflict with the military following a recent dispute involving a naval officer at a contested property in Abuja, reportedly linked to a retired naval chief.
Addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Wike described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the FCT Administration would not be intimidated or allow anyone—no matter their influence or background—to disregard land use regulations or hinder lawful government activities.
The minister emphasized that his decisions have always been based on the rule of law, not personal feelings or sentiments.
“You are told to obey lawful orders,” Wike said. “If you are a security aide to a former president or anyone else and you shoot someone, do you think you won’t be charged with murder just because a former president gave the order? That’s not how law works.”
He cautioned against attempts to weaken government authority through intimidation or misuse of power, stressing that such behaviour, if left unchecked, could encourage lawlessness.
“I have great respect for the military and will continue to do so because I know what they represent. Anyone claiming that I have issues with the military is not telling the truth. I don’t have and will not have a problem with them,” he said.
Wike explained that any matter involving the military is usually handled institutionally through established channels. “If there’s an issue, I know who to reach — the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, or even the President. We engage with mutual respect, not confrontation,” he said.
He added that the recent incident had been exaggerated by those determined to create unnecessary tension. According to him, the duty of the FCT Administration is to safeguard the integrity of Abuja’s master plan and ensure that all developments comply with approved land use policies.
“Government cannot operate in a lawless society. If we allow one person to break the rules because of their position, others will follow. That’s how impunity starts. Everyone must obey the law, regardless of who they are,” he stated.
Wike also urged journalists to practice responsible reporting and verify information before publication. “Report us accurately. Do investigative journalism. Don’t twist facts or take statements out of context,” he advised.
Recalling his time as governor of Rivers State, Wike said he had often intervened to protect citizens’ rights and ensure that law enforcement operated within legal boundaries. He maintained that his actions as FCT Minister were consistent with his commitment to lawful governance.
“Leadership sometimes means taking tough decisions that may not please everyone. You can’t make everyone happy, even in your own home. But once your conscience is clear that you’re doing the right thing, you stand by it,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of restoring order and discipline in the nation’s capital, Wike vowed that enforcement against illegal structures, land grabbing, and violations of the Abuja master plan would continue.
“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria—disciplined, planned, and lawful,” Wike declared.
