Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has said Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was legally empowered to inspect a disputed parcel of land in Abuja during a confrontation with military personnel earlier in the week.
Speaking at an event at the University of Abuja on Thursday, Falana criticised both parties, condemning Wike for verbally insulting the officer involved. He argued that no public official is permitted to ridicule any citizen and urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the minister to apologise, referencing a similar precedent in Ghana where a deputy minister was compelled to retract offensive comments.
Falana also faulted the soldiers’ actions, saying they exceeded their authority by preventing the minister from carrying out his statutory responsibilities. Citing Section 11 of the Land Use Act, he said the FCT minister and state governors have broad powers to enter and inspect land within their jurisdictions.
According to him, the military officer acted illegally, reportedly following directives from superior officers. Falana maintained that while Wike had the right to inspect the land, he should have stepped back and pursued legal remedies if obstructed, such as petitioning the authorities or seeking a court order.
He dismissed suggestions that insulting a uniformed officer threatens national security, saying military attire does not place its wearer above accountability.
