Wike’s clash with Naval Officer, a threat to national security – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has raised alarm over the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer in Abuja, describing it as “a clear and present danger to national security.”

In a statement on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Buratai said Wike’s actions during the incident “transcend mere misconduct” and undermine both the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.

The clash, which occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, reportedly arose from a dispute over ownership and development rights to a parcel of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Wike, accompanied by senior officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority, visited the site to halt what he described as “illegal construction” when he confronted a naval officer supervising the property.

A viral video shows Wike insisting that no individual, regardless of military affiliation, is above the law.

“You are in uniform, and you’re telling me that the Navy owns this land? Who gave you the right to build without approval?”

“Even if you are the Chief of Naval Staff, the law must be respected,” he was heard saying.

The officer responded that the property belonged to a former service chief and that the military had authorization to protect it.

Buratai condemned Wike’s public rebuke, calling it “a reckless act that strikes at the core of Nigeria’s command and control structure.”

He described the minister’s actions as “profound indiscipline” that endangers national order, disrespects the Commander-in-Chief, and damages the morale of military officers.

The former army chief urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the matter as a national security issue.

“Barrister Nyesom Wike must tender an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief, to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and to the specific officer whose honour was violated,” Buratai said.

He added, “The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less. Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing.”

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