Atiku denies gifting SUV to naval officer who clashed with Nyesom Wike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that he gifted a sport utility vehicle (SUV) to the naval officer who recently clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a land dispute in Abuja. The clarification came after several online reports alleged that Atiku rewarded the officer for standing up to the minister during the heated confrontation.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Atiku described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that he had no involvement in the matter and did not offer any gift or form of compensation to the officer. He urged the public to disregard the speculation, stressing that such fabrications were aimed at creating unnecessary tension and politicizing a professional incident.
Atiku emphasized that he remains committed to due process and respect for the rule of law, adding that issues involving the military or public officials should be handled through proper channels rather than through political narratives. The former Vice President also warned against the spread of misinformation that could incite division or undermine institutional integrity.
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Wike in a heated argument with a naval officer reportedly attached to a site in Abuja. The exchange, which drew wide attention on social media, sparked public debates about abuse of power, civil-military relations, and professional conduct among public officials.
