The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised what he described as the unlawful occupation of a disputed plot of land in Abuja by military personnel allegedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Videos circulating online on Tuesday showed the minister in a heated exchange with a military officer at the site of the disputed property.
In a statement following the encounter, Wike said he had visited the location after receiving reports that soldiers had forced officials of the FCT Administration’s Department of Development Control off the premises.
"You are aware that the land departments and the development control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing.
"When this was brought to my attention, I instructed them to ensure that nothing takes place there, as there were no legal documents, no regional approval, no valid acquisition," he said.
The minister said the soldiers’ interference was unacceptable, adding that he had to visit the site personally after being informed that the military had again taken control of the land.
"I was informed that the soldiers had chased our officials away, and I thought they were acting illegally.
"Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate," he said.
Wike warned that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any form of intimidation against its staff, regardless of the individuals involved.
"I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he’s a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one of those that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation," he said.
He further claimed that those occupying the land were unable to present valid ownership or building documents when asked to do so.
"The director of development control said, 'Bring the documents.' They don’t have them. ‘Bring approval for building.’ They don’t have it.
"How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail? What about those who don’t have the military behind them? What about ordinary Nigerians?" he said.
The minister revealed he had contacted the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him the situation would be resolved.
"We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos. But I will not allow this to happen.
"The same way we enforce our laws in other areas is the same way it will be done here.
"Nobody, whether a former chief of naval staff or anyone else, will be allowed to carry out illegal development on government land," he said.
READ ALSO: APC Chieftain Demands Dismissal of Soldier After Clash with Wike in Abuja
Comments
Post a Comment