A group of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to apologize to a young naval officer after he was seen using abusive words during a recent confrontation in Abuja.
In a viral video, Wike was seen arguing with some naval personnel at a disputed land site in the FCT.
The Minister had gone there as part of an enforcement exercise and questioned why military officers were guarding the area.
According to reports, Wike accused the officers of protecting illegal construction.
One of the naval men replied that they were acting on orders and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The disagreement got heated, and Wike allegedly used harsh words on the officer.
The Coalition of Military Veterans, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, condemned Wike’s behaviour, describing it as disrespectful and unbefitting of a public office holder.
“How can a Minister call an officer ‘a fool’ in public? If he had any issue, he should have spoken to the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of embarrassing the officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
He added that a uniformed officer represents the Nigerian state, and insulting such an officer shows disrespect to the country’s institutions.
The group also warned against punishing the officer involved, saying such action would be resisted.
“If the officer is punished, veterans will occupy the Minister’s office and residence,” Durowaiye-Herberts warned.
He stressed that soldiers and officers pledge loyalty to Nigeria, not to individual leaders, and urged Wike to publicly apologize for his words.
“Wike’s action lowers the dignity of his office. He should apologise immediately. Such behaviour is not acceptable,” the statement concluded.
Minister Wike is yet to make an official statement after the incident with the Naval Officer yesterday in Abuja.
