You shouldn’t be encouraged to do stunt with soldiers – Shehu Sani tells Wike

A former lawmaker has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is doing an excellent job in Abuja.

Sani, however, said Wike should not be encouraged to perform stunts involving soldiers.

“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers,” Sani wrote on his X handle.

The statement comes after a video emerged showing the Minister clashing with soldiers in Abuja over access to a piece of land.

In the video clip circulating on social media, the Minister is seen in a heated argument with soldiers over access to a property within the territory.

Wike asked the soldiers to stop blocking FCTA officials, stating that they did not have documents for the property, but one of the soldiers said he was following instructions.

The disputed parcel of land, Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

Wike said he was surprised to learn that soldiers, allegedly acting on the instructions of the former Naval Chief, had taken over the property.

Addressing the press shortly after the incident, Wike said:

“You are aware that the Land Departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT.

“When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away.

“I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.”