Military veterans across Nigeria have slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent altercation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Gaduwa, Abuja.
The Coalition of Retired Veterans described the minister’s conduct as “unacceptable, unministerial, and an insult to the Nigerian Armed Forces,” insisting that he must publicly apologise to the officer involved.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the veterans accused Wike of verbally assaulting the naval officer who was carrying out his lawful duties.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts queried. “If he was responsible, he should have contacted the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to humiliate a uniformed officer in public.”
He warned that such behaviour from a senior government official could send the wrong signal to serving personnel and the public.
“A uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state,” he said. “Disrespecting such an officer undermines public institutions and erodes confidence in the system.”
The veterans also kicked against reports that disciplinary action might be taken against the officer, identified as Lt. A.M. Yarima, who was seen in a viral video exchanging words with the minister.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” Durowaiye-Herberts warned. “We will not watch while the dignity of the military is dragged in the mud.”
The incident occurred during Wike’s inspection of a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District, allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The naval officer had reportedly presented documents to justify the military’s presence on the site, a move that sparked a heated exchange.
Eyewitness videos captured Wike shouting at the officer, accusing him of insubordination and illegality. The minister was heard saying, “Who does that? Are you a big fool?” to which the officer calmly replied, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer.”
The confrontation has since triggered widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning Wike’s temperament and his approach to governance.
The Coalition of Retired Veterans maintained that the minister’s language and tone were unbecoming of a public servant, especially one overseeing the nation’s capital.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office he occupies,” the statement read. “A minister should lead by example, not by intimidation. He must apologise to the officer and to Nigerians for his outburst.”
While the Federal Capital Territory Administration has yet to issue an official response, sources within the ministry said the land inspection was part of ongoing efforts to reclaim illegally occupied government plots across Abuja.
However, the veterans warned that any attempt to justify what they described as “verbal abuse of a serving officer” would meet stiff resistance.
“The men and women who wear the uniform of this country deserve respect, not humiliation,” Durowaiye-Herberts added. “We are not against law enforcement, but we are against lawlessness in the name of enforcement.”
