988
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned what he described as the illegal occupation and development of a disputed parcel of land in Abuja by military personnel allegedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Wike, who visited the site on Tuesday following reports that soldiers had driven away FCTA officials on enforcement duty, said the Federal Capital Territory Administration would not tolerate any act of intimidation or abuse of power by individuals no matter their former position.
“You are aware that the land departments and the Development Control have the mandate to monitor illegal development and land grabbing,” Wike stated.
“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, and no valid acquisition.”
The minister expressed anger that FCTA officials enforcing his directive were chased away by armed soldiers, describing the action as shameful and illegal.
“I was informed that the soldiers had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” he said. “Today, while I was in the office, I got another report that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”
Wike questioned why a retired senior officer who once held a high military office would resort to such unlawful conduct instead of following due process.
“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on,’” he said. “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.”
The minister disclosed that when the FCTA team demanded relevant documents justifying the occupation of the land, none were produced.
“The Director of Development Control said, ‘Bring the documents’ if 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?”
Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration would resist any attempt to use military influence to flout urban development laws, stressing that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens.
“I have spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. They assured me that the matter will be resolved. We’re not here to have a shootout with anybody or cause chaos,” he explained. “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.”
Reiterating his administration’s resolve to restore sanity in Abuja’s land administration, Wike vowed that all encroachments would be reclaimed, no matter how powerful those involved may be.
“We will continue to enforce our laws without fear or favour,” the minister affirmed. “Abuja belongs to all Nigerians, and no one is above the law.”