Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his respect for the Nigeria military, as well as the rule of law, institutional discipline, and accountable governance.
Wike made this known in a chat with journalists on Thursday, on the sidelines of his clash with military officer earlier this week.
The Minister stressed that societal progress depends on everyone doing what is right.
He expressed deep respect for Nigeria’s military institutions, but cautioned against selective enforcement of laws.
“So, gentlemen, I have respect for the military. I will continue to respect them. So anybody trying to bring collision there, to say, oh, he is having a problem with the military, it is not correct, I don’t have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem.
“If we are having a problem with the military, I know where to run to. If I don’t go to Chief of Defence Staff, I will go to Chief of Army Staff, or Chief of Naval Staff, or Air Force, or Chief of Defence Intelligence, I will go to the President.
“But in this case, it had to do with a private individual. So how many people would I run to? If you have a problem with us, I will run to the President! So all I will be telling the President every day, this individual is having a problem with us, this individual is having a problems. So I don’t have a problem with the military,” the Minister emphasised.
He, however, stated that the issue had been blown out of proportion by those bent on portraying him as being at loggerheads with the military.
He recalled past instances where he intervened against injustice, such as preventing the harassment of a woman by security operatives and stopping the attempted abduction of a judge, adding that he was praised by the public for doing so.
The Minister stressed that leadership requires tough, sometimes unpopular decisions, noting that there was no way everyone would be happy with a leader’s decisions. “Governance isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about progress,” he said.
He condemned unwholesome practices, particularly the illegal conversion of public land meant for agriculture and parks into private estates.
Rather than promoting division, the Minister called for structured conflict resolution.
“If there’s an issue, I know where to go -the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, or the President. That’s how matters should be addressed, not through misinformation.”
Wike also stated that Nigeria’s growth depends on accountability, discipline, and fairness.
“The law doesn’t bend for anyone. Let’s call a spade a spade.”
Wike affirmed that he represents the President and should be accorded the appropriate decorum.
The FCT Minister disclosed that elder statesmen, including former Head of State and President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Defence Staff Theophilus Danjuma, and others, had reached out to him to resolve issues relating to their lands. He advised any other individuals to follow similar channels in resolving problems.
Wike also clarified that sitting in the office to resolve land-related issues was not the best approach, adding that it did not exemplify good leadership to his subordinates.
“Even as a Governor, no Governor would say that he supported the Military more than I did,” he added.