Nationwide Reactions Trail Wike’s Clash with Military Officer in Abuja Land Dispute

Nigeria’s political and security circles were thrown into debate on Tuesday after a heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during a land enforcement exercise in Abuja went viral online.

The video, widely circulated on social media, showed Wike engaging in a shouting match with uniformed soldiers guarding a disputed plot of land reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). The minister accused the developers of lacking valid ownership or building approval and insisted that no one was above the law.

Visibly angry, Wike lashed out at one of the soldiers who resisted his directive, saying:
“Shut up! Keep quiet! You are a fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school… You send soldiers to intimidate who? We are all from this country.”

The incident has since sparked widespread reactions, dividing public opinion over Wike’s conduct and the soldier’s response

Reacting through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike condemned what he described as “illegal occupation” of government land by soldiers allegedly acting under Gambo’s instruction.

He said he personally visited the site after reports that soldiers had returned to block FCTA officials from carrying out their duties.
“They have no papers, no approvals—nothing,” Wike stated. “We can’t allow lawlessness to prevail. No one, not even a former service chief, will be allowed to intimidate government officials.”

The minister said he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff to ensure the matter was resolved institutionally.

While some praised Wike’s courage in confronting what they called “military arrogance,” others faulted his approach, warning that his language and actions could undermine national institutions.

APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe demanded the dismissal of the soldier who argued with the minister, describing the act as “gross insubordination.”
“Who is this man in uniform? His uniform has to be removed,” Igbokwe wrote on Facebook.

However, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka condemned Wike’s outburst, calling it “a fundamental misstep.”
“To abuse a uniformed officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself,” Chidoka said, arguing that ministers should act through due process rather than personal confrontation.

Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani also advised Wike to avoid “performative confrontations” with soldiers, even as he acknowledged the minister’s reforms in Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans described Wike’s comments as “disrespectful” and demanded a public apology. The group’s spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that veterans would protest if any disciplinary action was taken against the soldier.

Civil rights group CRRAN, however, criticised the alleged deployment of soldiers by the retired Naval Chief, calling it unconstitutional and “a clear sign of systemic decay.”

“The use of troops to protect private land is an abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution,” CRRAN president Olu Omotayo said.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), also weighed in, describing Wike’s action as “a threat to national security.”
“Publicly disparaging a uniformed officer undermines the chain of command and disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief,” Buratai said, urging Wike to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and the officer involved.

As the controversy deepens, the confrontation has rekindled national debate over power, respect, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s civil-military relations.