By Kingston Magare 13.11.2025
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ignored advised from the army authorities to be patient while they investigate circumstances surrounding the dispute Abuja land.
Mr. Wike on Tuesday caused a stir on Tuesday when he and his entourage made an attempt to reposes a plot of land belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo rtd, but were prevented from doing so by soldiers led by Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima.
The altercation captured on video and went viral on social media with Nigerians miffed by Wike’s behaviour, some others chastised Lt Yerima for disrespecting a Minister of the federal republic.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. When he got there, the officer explained that he was simply obeying orders given to him. Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officer’s superiors,” Mattawalle said in an interview posted on YouTube.
“The Minister should understand that every officer has superiors. I gathered that he called the Chief of Defence Staff, who advised him to wait for an investigation.
“However, he did not wait and instead went straight to the site. As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience and waited for the outcome of the investigation.
“Wike also contacted the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that an investigation would be conducted. Yet again, he did not wait. It was supposed to be a one-day inquiry, but he chose to go there and confront them.”
Matawalle confirmed that the Chief of Naval Staff has since visited the disputed site to begin a formal investigation into the ownership of the land.
“Now that the Chief of Naval Staff has visited the area—since it involves a land dispute—the matter will be investigated to know who owns the lawful documents.
“If the land has been revoked, there are established procedures to be followed diplomatically,” Matawalle stated.
Meanwhile former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rubbished reports he gifted a brand-new Toyota SUV to Lt Yerima.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007), did not gift Lt. Ahmed Yerima — or any other individual — a brand-new Toyota SUV, contrary to the false reports currently circulating on social media.
“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public,” said Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe.
