A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following his recent confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja.
A video circulating online shows Wike in a heated exchange with naval personnel at a site in the Gaduwa area of the FCT. The minister was reportedly on an enforcement operation when he questioned the presence of military officers allegedly providing security for the property.
In the footage, Wike accused the officers of aiding an illegal development, while one of the naval personnel stated that they were acting under instructions and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff. The exchange became tense, with the minister reportedly using harsh language toward the officer.
The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, with some Nigerians faulting the naval officer for confronting a serving minister, while others defended the officer’s professionalism.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s conduct, describing his verbal outburst as unbecoming of a public official.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have reached out to the Chief of Naval Staff instead of attempting to embarrass a serving officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
He noted that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state, adding that disrespecting them undermines public institutions.
The veterans also warned against any disciplinary action being taken against the officer involved, vowing to resist such a move.
