Coalition of ex-Soldiers berates Wike for ‘disrespecting’ Naval Personnel in Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement operation on a disputed piece of land in Abuja.

A viral video captured the heated exchange between Wike and naval personnel at a site in Gaduwa, where the minister had gone to enforce a stop-work order.

In the footage, Wike accused the officers of aiding an illegal development, while one of the naval personnel maintained that they were acting under instructions to protect a property allegedly owned by a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The altercation reportedly escalated when Wike used harsh language against the officer, sparking mixed reactions online.

While some Nigerians condemned the officer for challenging a sitting minister, others defended him, arguing that he was only performing his duty.

Reacting in a statement, the Coalition of Military Veterans, through its spokesperson Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned Wike’s conduct, describing his outburst as “unbecoming of a public office holder.”

“How can a minister call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have addressed the matter with the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of publicly humiliating a uniformed officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.

He added that every military officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state and that publicly disrespecting such an officer undermines the integrity of national institutions.

The veterans also warned against any attempt to punish the naval officer involved, threatening to stage a protest at Wike’s office and residence if such action is taken.

“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” the statement read.

Durowaiye-Herberts insisted that Wike’s comments demeaned the dignity of his office and called for an immediate public apology, stressing that “no minister is above the law or the uniformed men who serve the nation faithfully.”

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