Shehu Sani Warns Wike Against Confrontations with Soldiers Over Abuja Land Dispute

Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central Senator, has advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to exercise caution and restraint in his dealings with the military after a widely circulated video showed a heated confrontation between Wike and a military officer in Abuja. The incident took place at the Gaduwa District, where Wike confronted the officer over an alleged illegal military claim on land linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The video captured Wike accusing the military officer of unlawfully guarding the parcel of land, insisting that public land should not be appropriated under the guise of official connections. The military representative, dressed in camouflage, maintained that the land acquisition had followed due process. The exchange became tense, with Wike ordering the officer to keep quiet, drawing public attention and sparking a national debate on civil-military relations in the FCT.

Reacting on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shehu Sani lauded Wike’s efforts in restoring order and addressing land integrity in Abuja but cautioned against what he termed “stunts” with soldiers. Sani stressed that while Wike is performing excellently in his role, confrontations of this nature could strain the relationship between civilian authorities and the military and should be avoided.

ADVERTISEMENT

The clash drew mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some praising the military officer’s composure during the heated exchange, while others supported Wike’s assertiveness against alleged land grabbing and military intimidation. The situation underscores the delicate balance required in managing Abuja’s land and security matters while maintaining respect between civil leadership and armed forces.

This episode highlights ongoing challenges in governance and security management in Nigeria’s capital, where issues of military involvement in land matters continue to be contentious. It also reflects broader concerns about the proper exercise of authority and respect for public property in the nation’s administrative center