Publication

The disputed site, known as Plot 1946 in Gaduwa, is allegedly tied to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd.). According to the FCT Administration, the plot lies within a buffer zone and lacks the necessary regional and building approvals. Wike, flanked by his security team and FCT officials, showed up personally after learning that armed naval personnel had driven away development-control officers trying to enforce a stop-work order.

When the minister arrived, Lt. Yerima, uniformed and firm, refused to let the demolition or inspection team proceed, insisting he acted on orders from a three-star General. In response, Wike grew furious, demanding to see legality on paper while hurling insults at the officer.

 I agree with the views of constitutional and legal experts who warned that both sides breached fundamental norms of governance. Notably, Prof. Sebastine Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, condemned Yerima’s refusal to allow the minister access, arguing that no military regulation justifies mounting a guard at a private construction site, especially when the proper civil route would have been to involve the police.

At the same time, Wike’s conduct was far from exemplary. His language toward a uniformed officer was unbecoming of a minister who is considered to be an honorable delegate of the President.

 This incident lays bare a disturbing paradox: a senior government official accusing military personnel of lawlessness, while himself seemingly bypassing due process; and a naval officer defending his actions with claims of obedience to orders, yet potentially breaching the very military and civil laws that bind him.

This episode is more than a power tussle over a piece of land; it is a microcosm of Nigeria’s enduring struggle with governance, institutional discipline, and the rule of law. When military personnel act as gatekeepers of civic spaces and civil leaders resort to confrontation rather than lawful channels, the very foundations of democratic authority are shaken.

At its heart, the clash between Wike and Yerima should prompt a sober national reflection. For the sake of Nigeria’s stability, such episodes must be judged not by who won the argument on that day, but by how we restore respect for the law, and reassert due process even when power and privilege are on display.