By Toyin Adebayo, Abuja – November 13, 2025
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday issued a stern warning against impunity, declaring that Nigeria will stagnate if lawlessness and assaults on public servants are tolerated. He pledged full protection for government officials enforcing planning laws and other regulations, amid rising incidents of intimidation and physical attacks.
“No country, no matter how hard you work, if you allow impurity, if you allow lawlessness to continue to prevail, that country will never, never, never grow,” Wike told a gathering of FCT stakeholders.
The minister cited recent cases where senior civil servants—including directors—were “beaten up” while carrying out lawful duties, arguing that such violence erodes governance and discourages public service. “How will some officials carry out their functions again when they know their principal and their boss cannot protect them?” he asked.
High-Profile Appeals for Lawful Resolution
Wike revealed that prominent Nigerians, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, have personally contacted him to resolve land and security disputes through legal channels.
“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo…he will call me on the phone: ‘Minister, look o! There’s this problem of land here, can you…’ and we will solve the problem,” Wike said, noting that these elder statesmen and retired military leaders consistently advocate peaceful, lawful solutions rather than confrontation.
Root of the Crisis: Fraudulent Land Deals
At the heart of recent tensions is a disputed plot in Mabushi District—originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for parks and recreation, not residential or commercial use. Despite a 2022 rejection of conversion requests, the land was allegedly subdivided and sold illegally, including to retired Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo.
“This is government property, it is not your property,” Wike asserted, emphasizing that the FCT Administration is reclaiming such parcels through due process after ministerial reviews exposed multiple litigations and irregular transactions.
Equal Enforcement, No Exceptions
Wike rejected accusations of selective enforcement, insisting that respect for Abuja’s master plan and planning laws is non-negotiable—regardless of status or connections.
“If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no,” he said, defending his criticism of illegal orders while reaffirming strong support for the military and security agencies when acting lawfully.
Call for Responsible Journalism
The minister also criticized “lazy and sensational reportage” that misrepresents events, urging journalists to verify facts before publication. He pledged to perfect administrative processes to ensure transparency and continuity beyond his tenure.
“Even when you are working with me, you are not here forever… Therefore, I have to perfect the document. So when I leave, you will not have yourself to be blamed,” he said.
Zero Tolerance for Impunity
Concluding his address, Wike vowed to insulate FCT law enforcement from undue influence and ensure that public servants face no reprisals for legitimate duties.
“We will protect our officials. We will enforce the law fairly, transparently, and without fear or favor,” he declared.
The minister’s remarks follow a series of high-profile confrontations, including Tuesday’s standoff with naval personnel, and come as the FCT intensifies efforts to restore order in land administration and urban planning.
