Wike should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers – Shehu Sani cautions Minister
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing efforts in transforming Abuja but cautioned him against engaging in confrontations involving military personnel.
“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers,” Sani posted on X (formerly Twitter).
His remarks follow the emergence of a viral video showing Minister Wike in a heated exchange with soldiers over access to a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.
In the footage, Wike confronted the soldiers for allegedly blocking officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who were enforcing development control directives. The Minister insisted that the occupants lacked valid documents for the land, identified as Plot 1946, which is reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Wike expressed shock that military personnel, allegedly acting on the retired officer’s orders, had forcefully taken over the property.
Speaking to journalists after the incident, he said the FCTA would not tolerate intimidation or illegal land occupation. “When this matter was brought to my attention, I instructed that no activity should take place on that land since there were no legal documents or urban approvals. Unfortunately, soldiers chased our officials away,” he stated.
Wike added that no one, regardless of their past position, would be allowed to use military influence to obstruct lawful enforcement in the FCT. “I will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he said.
