Wike Reacts to Clash with Military Officer in Abuja, Says He Won’t Be Intimidated

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to his recent confrontation with a military officer in Abuja, describing the incident as “unfortunate” while insisting that he would not be intimidated or blackmailed in the course of performing his duties.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Wike addressed the viral video showing him in a heated exchange with military personnel during an inspection of a disputed land in the capital city. The minister explained that the confrontation arose when soldiers allegedly intervened to stop FCT officials from enforcing directives against illegal developments.

“When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate.”

Wike accused the officer of attempting to use his position in the military to intimidate civil authorities, stressing that no one is above the law.

“The military officer thought I was one of those people he could intimidate,” the minister said. “I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on,’ but simply because he is a military man, he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.”

Wike reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring order in the FCT and ensuring that all developments within the capital adhere to approved regulations. He emphasized that the rule of law must prevail regardless of an individual’s rank or influence.

The incident, which occurred during an enforcement operation, has continued to generate widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the balance between civil authority and military influence in governance.