Wike Demands Update From Defence Ministry Over Disputed Abuja Land
By Erewunmi Peace
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the Ministry of Defence to provide Nigerians with an update on its investigation into a controversial parcel of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.)
Tensions escalated earlier this month when soldiers blocked Wike and senior FCT officials from accessing the property, prompting public concern. Wike maintains that the development on the land is illegal, arguing that the military neither obtained approval nor submitted valid documentation to the FCTA before commencing construction.
According to Wike, available FCTA records do not support the ownership claims made by the former naval chief. He suggested that Vice Admiral Gambo may have fallen victim to fraudulent land dealings. “From all indications, it appears the former Chief of Naval Staff was scammed,” Wike reportedly told FCTA officials, adding that authorities must verify the authenticity of documents before any construction proceeds.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, criticized Wike’s approach, stating that the FCT Minister ignored advice from the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who had urged him to await the outcome of the formal inquiry rather than confronting the officer directly at the site.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister, told Daily Independent that only the Defence Ministry can provide the public with updates on the probe, stressing that Nigerians deserve to know whether the former naval chief has submitted proof of legitimate ownership.
He added that he had not visited the site since the confrontation but promised to verify compliance with Wike’s directive halting further development.
As the standoff continues, Abuja residents and stakeholders await clarification from the Defence Ministry, which is expected to determine the authenticity of the land ownership and resolve tensions between civil authorities and military interests.
