Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and some military personnel who prevented him from accessing a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
In a viral video of the incident on Tuesday, Wike was seen expressing outrage at the soldiers’ actions, insisting that no individual, regardless of their military status, was above the law. The land in question is reportedly owned by a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.), and the video of the altercation has since sparked widespread debate.
Reacting on his X handle, Sowore criticised the military authorities, describing the situation as evidence of misplaced priorities and entrenched self-interest among public officials.
He wrote, “The military’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the country’s borders, but instead, it is devoting resources to protect a parcel of land for a high-ranking officer, allegedly acting on ‘orders.’
“This pathetic scenario shows the pervasive self-interest among officials who cater to the interests of a privileged few at the expense of national protection — with @GovWike not being an exception.”
Sowore also recalled a similar incident during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State, accusing him of obstructing law enforcement operations.
He stated, “As governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike @GovWike once stood in the way of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission @officialEFCC officers, gun blazing, stopping them from arresting a corrupt judge friend of his. What a country!”
Sowore’s comments have stirred mixed reactions on social media. While some users supported his criticism of political impunity, others argued that the matter between the FCT Minister and the military should be properly investigated before drawing conclusions.
Similarly, social media influencer and political commentator Zara Onyinye also weighed in on the controversy, criticising former Minister of Aviation and PDP chieftain, Osita Chidoka, who had urged Wike to apologise to the military officer he allegedly insulted during the confrontation.
In a post on her Facebook page, Onyinye dismissed Chidoka’s remarks as hypocritical, describing him as part of a group of “pseudo-intellectuals” who shift positions to suit their interests.
“His argument now is that all law enforcement officers are representatives of the President. Where does this come from? Which law says this? So, a reckless police officer extorting Nigerians in some village is acting for the President and cannot be held accountable?” she asked.
She stressed that in a democracy, civilian authority remains supreme, noting that the military is answerable to civilian leaders, including the FCT Minister who represents the President in the capital territory.
“In Osita’s twisted logic, a rude military officer obeying an illegal order is above the President’s direct appointee as Minister of the FCT — all because he has an axe to grind with Wike,” she said.
Onyinye further argued that criticism against Wike is often politically motivated, saying, “Nobody actually cares whether the soldier is right or wrong. Anything against Wike is considered right. Whoever challenges Wike becomes a hero in Nigeria today. Wike is a threat to the owners of Nigeria PLC.”
She also faulted the military for intervening in civil disputes, describing the act as a misuse of authority.
“They denigrate themselves by venturing into affairs outside their jurisdiction. This is democracy, not a military regime,” she wrote, alleging that the retired officer had used the military to intimidate residents and government officials in the area.
The incident occurred weeks after the FCTA demolished 11 duplexes belonging to the Nigeria Police Force in Apo District for being constructed under high-tension power lines.
Wike maintained that the Department of Development Control had denied approval for the disputed land and vowed to take the matter to appropriate authorities.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Navy has yet to issue an official statement. When contacted, Navy spokesman A. Adams-Aliyu said, “No reply for now.”
