A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has faulted the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a recent confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja, demanding an unreserved public apology from him.
The call followed a viral video showing Wike engaging in a heated exchange with naval personnel during an enforcement visit to a disputed plot of land in Gaduwa District of the FCT.
In the footage, the minister was seen berating the officer and allegedly calling him a “fool” after the officer insisted he was acting on superior orders.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the Coalition of Military Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned Wike’s outburst, describing it as “disrespectful to the Nigerian military and an affront to the dignity of public office.”
“How can a serving minister insult a uniformed officer on camera? Such behaviour is unbecoming of a public officeholder and diminishes the respect attached to his position,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
The group warned that any attempt to sanction the naval officer involved would be strongly resisted, adding that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state and not the personal interests of individuals.
“Wike should apologise publicly. His action undermines civil-military relations and demeans the office he occupies,” the veterans added.
The incident, which has continued to generate heated debate across social media, has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for restraint and mutual respect between government officials and security operatives.
