A Coalition of Nigerian military veterans has condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over a recent confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land site in Abuja.
A video had captured Wike in a “heated exchange with some naval personnel” at the Gaduwa area of the FCT.
Wike, who was there as part of an enforcement operation, “questioned the presence of military personnel allegedly guarding the land,” accusing the officers of “supporting an illegal development.”
One of the naval personnel insisted they were “acting on orders” and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
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The altercation “escalated, with Wike reportedly using harsh language against the officer.”
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans criticized Wike for “verbally insulting the officer during the encounter.”
The group insisted that a public office holder should not use abusive language against security personnel carrying out official duties.
Durowaiye-Herberts questioned Wike’s conduct, stating: “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.”
He argued 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,” warning that any such move “would be resisted.”
Durowaiye-Herberts threatened: “If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister.”
He insisted that Wike should apologize to the officer, adding: “Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour.”
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