• Ex-Minister: Wike Should Apologize to the Officer
By Abiola Olawale
A fiery disagreement between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a uniformed calm-looking but disciplined military officer identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima over a parcel of land in Abuja has sparked widespread reaction across Nigeria, dominating social media and news headlines, with many calling for the outright sack of Wike for assaulting an officer in uniform and exhibiting unacceptable disrespect for the office of the C-in-C.
The incident, captured in a viral video showed Wike demanding documents from the officer, who was deployed to the site in Abuja’s Gaduwa District purely on superior military orders.
“Show me the documents you have. You have no documents,” Wike was heard shouting.
The officer, in turn, who remained very calm, maintained that the land was legally acquired and that he was acting under “official orders.”
The confrontation escalated dramatically, with Wike shouting, “Shut up your mouth! Who does that? Will you get out?” to which the officer professionally responded, “Sir, I’m an officer. I have integrity.”
Following the emergence of the video online, some Nigerians have condemned the Minister’s use of abusive language toward a serving military officer, arguing that even in the face of anger, a public official should maintain decorum and adhere to the rule of law. According to many, an officer wearing military uniform is a symbol of national, constitutional authority and a custodian of order, who deserves respect, for defending our sovereignty and lives.
Some added that by insulting the officer, Wike, was invariably showing grave disregard for the office of Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in the person of Mr President.
Reacting to the development, Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation and ex-Corp Marshal/Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), lambasted Wike for “diminishing” the authority of the Nigerian government by confronting the military officer.
He said: “Any law enforcement officer, in uniform or plain clothes, represents the President and the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. To abuse such an officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself.
“Minister Nyesom Wike’s decision to personally enforce a directive at a disputed site was a fundamental misstep. In constitutional democracies, power operates through institutions not impulse.
“Executive authority must be exercised or adjudicated through the courts, ministries, and lawful instruments of state, never through confrontation. No matter how justified a grievance, a minister cannot become an enforcer; that violates the very idea of ordered government.
“When a minister trades words with a uniformed officer acting under orders — lawful or otherwise — it corrodes discipline and confuses hierarchy.
“The officer’s duty is to obey the chain of command, not verbal instructions on a roadside; the minister’s duty is to act through lawful channels.
“The Minister should apologise to the officer for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour.”
Below are some reactions generated from social media;
“If all the soldiers in the Nigerian Army can be like that young officer who stood up to Wike, this country might be on the path to redemption.
He deserves a promotion.
Impunity only thrives when you do not stand up against it.”(@ David Bent)
“Wike is doing an excellent job in Abuja but should not be encouraged to do this kind of stunt with soldiers.” (@ Shehu Sani)
“Calling a gallant soldier a fool crosses the line. Wike must face consequences.”(@ADC Vanguard)
“Dear @HQNigerianArmy,
Please, reward this fine soldier for his professional behavior and for standing his grounds.
“Wike is not your commander in Chief. God bless the officer. Amen.”(@John Doe)
“Before they demonise him. Before they victimise and target him. This young military officer never attacked the minister.
“He is a victim of a drunken power-crazed politician who resorted to verbal intimidation and a litany of insults in an attempt to intimidate the young officer.”(@ Dr. Funmilayo)
