By ANGELA ATABO

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his respect for the Nigerian military, but stressed that the armed forces must operate within the law.

Wike, who said this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, insisted that FCTA would not condone lawlessness by military officers, serving or retired.

According to him, no country will allow impurity and lawlessness, even among government officials, not to talk about private individuals.

His comments followed Tuesday’s confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. Ahmed Yerima, who denied him access to a disputed land, allegedly belonging to a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo.

The minister urged Nigerians to learn to obey the law, adding that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any attempt to violate land use regulations or obstruct government officials performing their lawful duties.

He explained that his actions were guided strictly by law and not by sentiments or emotions.

Wike said that there were no documents to prove the military owned the land, adding that the alleged impunity and lawlessness would not be tolerated.

He attributed the controversy that followed the incident to people that were not happy with his style of handling land matters, particularly his political enemies.

He added that the issue was blown out of proportion by those bent on portraying him as being at loggerheads with the military.

He maintained that he only intervened after top officials of the FCTA were assaulted while carrying out their official duties.

“As a Minister, I won’t sit in my office while those working with me are being attacked.

“Yes, I have wounded some people politically and I have no regret about it. Yes, people are not happy over it.

“So when things happen like this, people will say all manner of things,” he said.

Wike, however, commended some leaders who contacted him to resolve the issues affecting them in the FCT, emphasising that due process must be followed.

He disclosed that the FCTA, had in the past, engaged the military hierarchy, including a former head of state and president, on similar matters, adding that the issues were handled with mutual respect and understanding.

He recalled that when the Police had a similar issue, he personally visited the site where buildings were being constructed under a power line, and the Inspector-General of Police ensured the stoppage of the construction.

“A former president had the courtesy of calling me and said look, I have this problem. See how you can look into it.

“Another general will call you. Look at this and this. These are people; they are all retired generals. These are people with discipline.

“They didn’t bother because they were former chief of army staff or former presidents. They never sent soldiers, they never sent anybody to go and attack anybody,” Wike said.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to developing the FCT in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of restoring order and sanity to the nation’s capital.

He promised that enforcement against illegal developments, land grabbing and violations of the Abuja Master Plan would continue without compromise.

He said the FCT Administration’s duty was to protect the integrity of Abuja’s Master Plan and ensure that all developments conform with approved land use.

“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect the image of Nigeria – disciplined, planned and lawful,” Wike declared. (NAN)