(UPDATED) Veterans Blast Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer, Demand Apology

Veterans Blast Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer, Demand Apology

• Minister accused of abusing authority as viral video sparks outrage

Some military veterans have condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja, describing his outburst as unbefitting of a public office holder.

A viral video released on Tuesday showed Wike engaging some naval personnel at a construction site in the Gaduwa area of the FCT. The minister, on an inspection tour, had questioned the officers’ presence at the location, accusing them of providing cover for an illegal development.

In the footage, one of the naval personnel explained that they were acting on directives and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The exchange quickly turned heated, with Wike reportedly calling the officer “a fool,” a remark that has since sparked public outrage.

Reacting to the incident, the veterans warned that such conduct from a minister undermines national institutions and the authority of the Nigerian state.

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“How can a public office holder call an officer a fool on camera?” veteran Durowaiye-Herberts said. “If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to disgrace a senior officer.”

He warned that any attempt to sanction the officer involved would be resisted. “If the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” he said.

The veterans demanded that Wike apologise to the officer and the Nigerian Navy, insisting that the men in uniform owe loyalty to the nation, not to individuals.

“Wike’s outburst demeans the dignity of his office. It’s unacceptable behaviour from a serving minister,” Durowaiye-Herberts added.

During the confrontation, Wike accused the officers of acting with impunity and insisted there was no legal record of the land allocation with the FCT Administration.

“You have no document,” he was heard saying. “We cannot continue to act in impunity. This country cannot go on this way.”

The minister later alleged that the land was linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), accusing him of using his influence to intimidate officials.

“I will not succumb to blackmail,” Wike said.

The naval personnel, however, maintained they were acting on superior orders and refused to vacate the land.

Veterans Blast Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer, Demand Apology