Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been criticized by a coalition of Nigerian military veterans over his recent altercation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to contested land in Abuja.
A video obtained by our journalist showed Wike in a heated altercation with some naval officers at a facility in the Gaduwa area of the FCT.
The minister had gone to the spot as part of an enforcement operation and questioned the presence of military officers who purportedly guarded the land.
In the video, Wike accuses the officers of assisting an unlawful development, while one of the military members claims they were following orders that the land belonged to a former Chief of Army Staff.
The dispute became heated, with Wike apparently using abusive comments toward the officer.
The incident elicited diverse reactions online. While some commenters criticized the officer for confronting a serving cabinet minister, others applauded his actions.
The Coalition of Military Veterans, through its spokeswoman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, criticized Wike for verbally disparaging the officer during the encounter.
The group stated that a public figure should not use derogatory language toward security personnel doing official tasks.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
He went on to say that a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state, and disrespecting such an official undermines public institutions.
The veterans also criticized proposals for disciplinary action against the officer, claiming that such action would be rejected.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” he warned.
He mentioned that military officers swear loyalty to the country and not to individual public officials and insisted that Wike should apologize to the officer.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologize for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behavior,” Durowaiye-Herberts added.
