Ex-servicemen say verbal assault on officer ‘disgraceful, unacceptable’
Vow to resist any punishment against naval personnel involved in Abuja land dispute
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Nyesom Wike, over his recent confrontation with a naval officer during a visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
A viral video captured a heated altercation between the minister and uniformed naval personnel at the Gaduwa District of the FCT, where Wike had led an enforcement team to halt alleged illegal development activities.
In the footage, Wike accused the officers of protecting an unauthorised structure linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, while one of the naval personnel maintained that they were acting under superior orders and that the property had legitimate documents submitted for verification.
The exchange quickly degenerated, with the minister reportedly using offensive language against the officer — a development that has drawn strong reactions across social media and within the military community.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans described Wike’s outburst as “a shameful act unbecoming of a public officer,” demanding an unreserved apology to the Nigerian Navy and the affected officer.
> “How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he were responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
The veterans condemned what they termed a “pattern of executive arrogance,” warning that the insult to the uniform represented an attack on the dignity of Nigeria’s armed forces.
“A uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state. Disrespecting such an officer undermines the integrity of public institutions,” the statement added.
The group also warned against any move to sanction the officer, insisting that veterans would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if punitive action is taken.
READ ALSO: Wike breaks silence after confrontation with military officer
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will not sit idle. We will resist it by all lawful means,” Durowaiye-Herberts declared.
He emphasised that military officers owe loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and not to individual politicians, urging Wike to show humility and apologise.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office he occupies. He should apologise immediately for his use of abusive language. It is unacceptable behaviour,” he said.
The altercation has reignited debate about the limits of ministerial authority and the growing tension between political power and military protocol within Nigeria’s capital.
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