By Onilede Titi Faith
Human rights activist and 2023 AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
The viral incident, which occurred on Tuesday, showed Wike in a heated exchange with a naval officer allegedly guarding a property linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.).
In the footage, Wike accused the officer of unlawfully occupying government land, insisting that no one, regardless of rank, is above the law.
Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore faulted the military’s involvement, calling it “a reflection of misplaced priorities” and evidence of “pervasive self-interest among public officials.”
“The military should defend Nigeria’s borders, not secure land for a retired officer,” he wrote, adding that Wike himself was “no exception” to political impunity.
He also recalled a similar episode during Wike’s tenure as Rivers governor, alleging that he once obstructed EFCC officers from arresting a corrupt judge.
The altercation has sparked mixed reactions online. Political commentator Zara Onyinye criticised those calling for Wike’s apology, especially former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, who urged him to respect the military.
In a Facebook post, Onyinye said, “In a democracy, civilian authority is supreme. The FCT Minister is the President’s appointee, and the military is answerable to him.” She accused critics of politicising the issue, claiming that “anything against Wike is considered right.”
As of press time, the Nigerian Navy had not issued an official statement. Navy spokesman A. Adams-Aliyu, when contacted, said there was “no reply for now.”
