Wike Clarifies Stance, Says He Holds No Grudge Against Nigerian Military

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting a dispute between him and the Nigerian military.

According to Wike, who spoke with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, he holds no grievances against the Armed Forces and emphasized that he would never have any. His remarks come in the wake of an incident on Tuesday involving an officer of the Nigerian Navy over the legality of ongoing land development in Abuja, which had sparked widespread public discussion.

Wike described claims of a fallout with the military as “false, mischievous, and unfounded,” stressing his deep respect for the institution. He highlighted his administration’s continuous support for military operations within the FCT and nationwide.

“Let me make it clear, I do not have any problem with the military and will never have. I have great respect for the institution and for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe,” he stated.

Speaking about the confrontation in Gaduwa district, where soldiers restricted access to a land parcel, Wike clarified that his comments were taken out of context. He said his intention was to advocate for lawful conduct and adherence to constitutional principles by all security personnel.

“What I said was simple: no officer or individual should carry out an illegal order. If an instruction is unlawful, you have the right to say no. That does not mean I have a problem with the military,” he explained.

Wike also called on journalists to maintain professionalism and accuracy in reporting, warning against sensationalism. “I want journalists to always verify facts and report accurately. Do not cut or misquote statements to suit headlines. Let us focus on what builds our country,” he added.