A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologise for what they described as his “abusive and disrespectful” language toward a young naval officer during a recent confrontation in Abuja.
The veterans said the incident, which was captured in a viral video, was an embarrassment to the country and undermined the dignity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces. They warned that any attempt to punish the naval officer involved in the encounter would be strongly resisted.
The controversy began when Wike led an enforcement team from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to stop construction work on a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa area of Abuja.
In the video, which has since circulated widely on social media, the minister was seen in a heated argument with a naval officer who was allegedly guarding the site. The officer reportedly told Wike that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff and that he and his team were acting on orders.
Wike, however, accused the officers of aiding an “illegal development” and questioned the authority of the Nigerian Navy to occupy or guard the property without approval from the FCT Administration.
At the height of the argument, the minister was heard using strong and insulting words against the naval officer, saying, “You are a fool! You can’t tell me the Navy owns this land. Who gave you that right?”
The video has since sparked widespread reactions across the country, with some Nigerians condemning Wike’s tone and others defending his stance on enforcing FCT regulations.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Military Veterans released a statement on Tuesday, signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, describing Wike’s behaviour as “unacceptable and unbecoming of a public office holder.”
The group said it was wrong for a minister to verbally abuse a serving officer who was performing his duty, insisting that such conduct showed a lack of respect for the uniform and for the Nigerian state.
“How can a public office holder call an officer a fool on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts asked. “He should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a junior officer and a retired senior officer in public.”
According to him, every uniformed personnel represents the authority of the Nigerian state, and publicly disrespecting them sends the wrong message to citizens and undermines national institutions.
“Disrespecting a uniformed officer means disrespecting the Nigerian flag,” he added. “Wike’s action is not only insulting to the officer but also to every man and woman who has worn the uniform in service to this country.”
The coalition warned that it would not tolerate any attempt by the FCT Administration to sanction the naval officer.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” Durowaiye-Herberts said firmly. “We will not sit and watch a loyal officer be punished for doing his duty.”
He added that soldiers, sailors, and airmen swear allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution and the President as Commander-in-Chief, not to any minister or political figure.
“Wike must understand that these officers are not his subordinates. They are servants of the nation, not of an individual,” he said. “We demand that the minister tender an unreserved public apology to the officer and the Nigerian Armed Forces for this embarrassment.”
This is not the first time the FCT Minister has been accused of clashing with security personnel during official duties. Since taking office in 2023, Nyesom Wike has gained a reputation for his hands-on and confrontational approach to governance.
As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he has launched an aggressive campaign against illegal buildings, land encroachments, and environmental violations across Abuja. His style has earned him both praise for restoring order and criticism for his perceived arrogance and high-handedness.
The Gaduwa land dispute, for instance, is said to involve property reportedly connected to a former Chief of Naval Staff. Sources say the presence of naval personnel at the site was meant to prevent encroachment until ownership issues are resolved.
However, Wike has maintained that all land within the FCT falls under the control of the federal government and that no individual or institution including the military is exempt from urban development regulations.
The incident has attracted diverse public reactions. Some Nigerians on social media supported Wike’s tough stance, saying he was right to insist on the rule of law regardless of who was involved. Others, however, faulted his language and the manner in which he addressed uniformed officers.
A retired army colonel who spoke to reporters under anonymity said the minister’s behaviour was “disrespectful and unnecessary.”
“There are proper channels for handling inter-agency issues,” he said. “Even if the officers were wrong, the minister should have reported the matter to the Chief of Defence Staff or the Chief of Naval Staff. Publicly abusing a uniformed man undermines discipline and morale.”
The veterans’ coalition stressed that their demand for an apology was not about defending wrongdoing but about protecting the honour of the military.
“Our message is simple,” Durowaiye-Herberts said. “We are not saying the minister cannot perform his duties. We are saying he must respect those who wear the uniform of this country.”
He added that Nigerian veterans had fought hard to protect democracy and peace, and they would not allow politicians to demean the institution of the military.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister,” he said. “He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour from anyone representing the Federal Government.”
For now, all eyes remain on Wike to see whether he will heed the call for an apology or stand his ground as the confrontation continues to stir national debate over civility, authority, and respect in public service.
