Wike-Navy Clash: Osita Chidoka labels Minister’s action ‘unacceptable’

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to apologise to the naval officer he publicly insulted during a recent land dispute in Abuja.

The clash occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, over 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.

In a viral video, Wike was seen questioning the officer’s authority, insisting that no individual, regardless of military rank, 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 said.

The officer reportedly responded that the property belonged to a former service chief and that the military was authorised to protect it.

Chidoka, in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, emphasised that public officials must exercise authority through proper institutional channels rather than personal confrontation.

He warned that Wike’s actions undermine democratic governance and weaken institutional order.

“Every security or law enforcement officer, whether in uniform or plain clothes, represents the authority of the President and the Nigerian state.”

“To insult such an officer is to erode the authority of the Republic,” Chidoka said.

He added that ministers are expected to act through lawful and administrative procedures, while officers follow orders from their superiors, and criticised Wike’s security aides for escalating rather than defusing the situation.

Calling the incident a lesson in leadership, Chidoka said the confrontation diminishes the dignity of ministerial office and tarnishes the image of responsible governance.

He insisted that Wike should publicly apologise to the officer involved, describing the minister’s conduct as “unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.”

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