The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was on Tuesday prevented from accessing a parcel of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja by military personnel allegedly deployed by a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The former Rivers State governor, visibly displeased, questioned the actions of the officers, stressing that no one is above the law. He accused the former naval chief of failing to follow due process in acquiring the land.
An officer identified as Navy Lieutenant Yerima, dressed in military camouflage, interrupted the minister during the confrontation, insisting that the acquisition was lawful and that he had acted with integrity.
Meanwhile, former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has criticized the FCT Minister over the incident, describing it as a “threat to national security” that demands an “immediate and serious response.” In a statement, Buratai said Wike’s verbal assault on a uniformed military officer was an act of profound indiscipline that undermines the nation’s command and control structure.
He urged Wike to tender an apology to President Bola Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and to the officer “whose honour was violated.”
Similarly, a Coalition of Nigerian Military Veterans condemned the FCT Minister’s conduct during the encounter. In a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the group faulted Wike for verbally insulting the naval officer, stating that public office holders must respect security personnel carrying out lawful duties. The coalition added that uniformed officers represent the authority of the Nigerian state, and disrespecting them undermines public institutions. It also warned against any move to discipline the naval officer, saying such action would be resisted.
Reacting to the controversy, rights activist Charles Jaja described Wike’s conduct during the encounter as indecent and inappropriate for a public official. He faulted the minister’s decision to personally enforce directives at a disputed site, calling it a fundamental mistake. Jaja further cautioned the military and the federal government against taking disciplinary action against the naval officer, noting that he was merely performing his duty.
