Fatimah Otunsanya
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a recent confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja.
A video obtained by our correspondent earlier showed Wike in a heated exchange with some naval personnel at a site in the Gaduwa area of the FCT.
The minister had visited the location as part of an enforcement operation and questioned the presence of military personnel allegedly guarding the land.
In the footage, Wike accused the officers of supporting an illegal development, while one of the naval personnel insisted they were acting on orders and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The altercation escalated, with Wike reportedly using harsh language against the officer.
The incident drew mixed reactions online. While some commentators criticised the officer for challenging a serving cabinet minister, others defended the officer’s conduct.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer during the encounter.
The group said a public office holder should not use abusive language against security personnel carrying out official duties.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
He added that a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state and that disrespecting such an officer undermines public institutions.
The veterans also faulted calls for disciplinary action against the officer, saying any such move would be resisted.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” he warned.
He noted that military officers swear loyalty to the country and not to individual public officials and insisted that Wike should apologise to the officer.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” Durowaiye-Herberts added.