The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, October 11, reportedly clashed with a Nigerian Navy officer simply identified as ‘Yerima’ in Abuja over disputed land.
It was gathered that Wike reportedly visited the site to stop what he termed as ‘illegal construction,’ which led to a clash with the naval officer, who claimed the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
A viral video obtained by WITHIN NIGERIA captured the confrontation where the naval officer insisted that he would not vacate the land despite the insistence of Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, because he is following a military order.
There was also a heated verbal exchange between Nyesom Wike and the naval officer, Yerima, which nearly escalated and became a rowdy session following the interruptions of DSS operatives and police officers who followed the minister to the said land.
The incident has sparked controversy, leading to divided opinions among netizens, as some criticized Nyesom Wike for calling the military officer a fool and being aggressive, while others condemned the decision of the retired naval chief to secure private property with soldiers and for his condescending attitude towards a police officer.
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, on Wednesday, October 12, cautioned that Wike’s behavior poses a threat to national security.
According to Buratai, the behavior undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.
A group of military veterans also called on Wike to apologize to the officer, stating that his actions demean the dignity of his office.
In a press briefing, Nyesom Wike disclosed that he has no personal beef with the military.
He further disclosed that he is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting Abuja’s master plan.
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of Defence, criticized Wike’s actions, claiming that the incident was avoidable and should not have escalated into a public altercation.
According to Matawalle, Lieutenant Yerima was just doing his job, following orders from his superiors, and maintained a professional demeanor throughout the encounter.
Matawalle also revealed that he personally reached out to Wike to diffuse the tension and stressed that the officer shouldn’t face any disciplinary action.
According to him, Wike should have spoken to Yerima’s superiors instead of confronting him directly.
The Defence Minister emphasized that disrespecting a military officer is equivalent to disrespecting the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Chief of Naval Staff has launched an investigation into the disputed land, and Matawalle assured that the officer will be protected as long as he was acting lawfully.
Findings by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that the incident of ‘Abuja’s disputed land’ was one out of the eight notable controversies Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT, would be involved in since he started his political career.
Here are the notable controversies;
FIGHT BETWEEN WIKE AND AMEACHI
Recall that Nyesom Wike was Rotimi Ameachi’s Chief of Staff from 2007 to 2011. According to unsubstantiated sources, the relationship between the two deteriorated when Wike accused Amaechi of rejecting his proposal to build a law school in Rivers state.
Nyesom Wike and Rotimi Amaechi have had a long-running political spat over Rivers State. These two political powerhouses have been at odds for more than a decade. Disagreements over financial resources and political power are at the root of the conflict.
ALLEGED LAND MISAPPROPRIATION
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been accused of forcibly seizing land from owners and appropriating it for relatives and allies.
Although Nyesom Wike denied theft of land and stated that he never transferred lands to relatives, netizens continue to express worries and unverified charges.
DENIAL OF IGBO HERITAGE
During a media interview in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike said that he is an Ikwerre man rather than an Igbo.
This accusation provoked outrage, with groups like MASSOB and prominent individuals like Kenneth Okonkwo criticizing Wike’s denial, arguing that it is sad and motivated by political expediency.
Okonkwo, a Nollywood actor who criticized Wike’s claim, contended that Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo and that Wike’s tribe and language make him Igbo.
Some have suggested that Wike’s denial is a premeditated political effort to coincide with anti-Igbo sentiments, while others believe it is an exercise of his constitutional right to self-identification.
DEMOLITION OF PROPERTIES
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been accused of misusing his authority by unlawfully demolishing homes.
Critics argue that Wike’s demolition effort lacks transparency and due process.
Many Nigerians, especially activists, have criticized and condemned Wike’s demolition campaign in Abuja.
This caused the Nigerian Senate to form a committee to investigate the legality of the demolitions.
However, Wike insists that he will continue his demolition campaign, claiming that his measures are intended to restore peace in Abuja and implement land use restrictions.
One of the controversial operations Wike carried out was the demolition of a home belonging to Anambra industrialist Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu without a court order, prompting accusations of racial bias.
INTIMIDATION AND ELECTION CONTROVERSY
Nyesom Wike while serving as Governor of Rivers State was accused of using his power to intimidate political opponents and silence critics.
The 2015 Rivers State Guber election which was won by Nyesom Wike was nullified. This move sparked controversy but he was re-elected in 2019.
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