The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has emphasised the need to follow due process in resolving land ownership disputes in Abuja, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the authority of all government institutions, including the military.
Addressing journalists on the recent confrontation between his officials and some military personnel, Wike urged Nigerians to respect the law, warning that the government would not tolerate any actions aimed at disregarding legally approved land allocations.
Wike explained that the incident occurred after FCT officials were allegedly attacked while enforcing development control regulations at the disputed site.
He stated that his intervention came only after senior officials of the FCTA were assaulted in the line of duty, stressing that, as minister, he could not remain in his office while his staff were being attacked.
According to him, he stepped in personally to restore order and ensure compliance with government directives.
The minister further clarified that the land in question had been duly allocated to Santos Estate Limited for park and recreational purposes, not for residential construction.
He recalled that, in a previous incident involving the police, he personally visited the site where buildings were being erected beneath a power line.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police subsequently intervened and ordered an immediate suspension of the construction work.
