A viral video clip captured a moment when the Minister and a
soldier were engaged in a heated exchange over access to the land.

While Wike insisted on gaining entry, the soldier could be
heard saying he was ordered not to allow Wike onto the property.

Addressing journalists after the incident, Wike said he
cannot be intimidated, stating that the Chief of Naval Staff should have
approached his office instead of ordering soldiers to block him.

He said, “The officer said he was sent by the former Chief
of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position
cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what is going on.’

“Is it because he is a military man that he could use
soldiers to intimidate Nigerians? I’m not one of those persons who will succumb
to blackmail or intimidation.

“This is something you cannot even prove. Where are the
documents? It has led to a situation where government officials are carrying
out their duties, and you go and bring security to intimidate them.”