AM Yarima Vs Wike: Sowore Berates FCT Minister’s Clash With Military Officer On Abuja Land

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 Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and military personnel who allegedly stopped him from accessing a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

In a viral video circulating online, Wike was seen confronting an officer identified as AM Yerima, insisting that no military rank was above the law. The disputed land is reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.), sparking widespread debate over the boundaries between civilian and military authority.

“Military Should Protect Borders, Not Private Land” – Sowore

Reacting on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), Sowore criticised the military’s involvement, describing the scene as an example of corruption and misplaced priorities.

“The military’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the country’s borders, but instead, it is devoting resources to protect a parcel of land for a high-ranking officer, allegedly acting on orders,” he wrote.

Sowore said the incident reflected a deeper culture of self-interest among Nigeria’s ruling elite.

“This pathetic scenario shows the pervasive self-interest among officials who cater to the privileged few at the expense of national protection, with Wike not being an exception,” he added.

“Wike Once Obstructed EFCC Operations” – Sowore Alleges

The activist also accused the FCT Minister of hypocrisy, recalling that Wike once obstructed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials during his tenure as Rivers State Governor.

“As governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike once stood in the way of EFCC officers, gun blazing, to stop the arrest of a corrupt judge friend of his. What a country!” Sowore claimed.

Mixed Reactions Trail Confrontation

The video of the altercation has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some praising Wike for asserting civilian authority, while others urged restraint and an independent investigation.

Social media commentator Zara Onyinye clashed with former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, who had urged Wike to apologise to the military officer, saying his behaviour undermined democratic norms.

“In a democracy, civilian authority remains supreme. Wike acted within his rights as the President’s appointee,” Onyinye argued.

She accused Chidoka of double standards, adding, “In Osita’s twisted logic, a rude military officer obeying an illegal order is above the President’s direct appointee. Imagine if it were Soludo or a South-East governor — would he maintain the same view?”

“Military Should Stay Out of Civil Matters” – Onyinye

Onyinye further condemned the military’s involvement in land disputes, warning it could erode public trust.

“They denigrate themselves by venturing into affairs outside their jurisdiction. This is democracy, not a military regime,” she said.

She claimed the land dispute had lingered for over a year, with the retired naval officer allegedly using his influence to intimidate officials and residents.

“When did it become the military’s duty to secure land for a retired officer? We just love illegality when it favours us,” Onyinye added.

Background

The latest confrontation comes weeks after the FCT Administration demolished 11 police-owned duplexes in Apo District for violating urban planning regulations.

Wike has since maintained that the Department of Development Control denied approval for the contested property and vowed to escalate the matter to appropriate authorities.

As of press time, the Nigerian Navy had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.