FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has recounted how former President Olusegun Obasanjo contacted him to resolve a land dispute in the Federal Capital Territory, contrasting this approach with recent confrontations involving military personnel.
Speaking in a media coverage by AIT from 0:45, Wike cited Obasanjo’s respectful approach as an example of proper conduct. “So many people have had problems. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a general, former head of state, former president, he will call me on phone and say, ‘Minister, I have a problem with land here. Please, can you solve it?’ That is a former head of state, a former elected president; he had the courtesy of calling the minister,” he said.
The minister emphasized that distinguished former officials pursue grievances through proper channels rather than intimidation. “These are notable people who had left office. They didn’t say because they were former chief. They were former president. They never send anybody to go and attack anybody. They just call you, and because of that, I have to respect them,” he stated.
Wike, who has faced criticism following a confrontation with a soldier over disputed land, defended his intervention by questioning how he could remain passive while government officials face attacks.
He asked how civil servants at the directorship level could effectively perform their duties if they believe their minister cannot protect them from harassment and violence. According to Wike, failure to intervene when FCDA personnel are threatened or assaulted by the military would undermine their ability to carry out government functions and erode confidence in leadership’s willingness to support staff facing intimidation in the field. View, More,
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