By: Ojay Matthew
The heated confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during an enforcement operation in Abuja has triggered widespread debate across Nigeria.
A viral video from the incident, recorded on Tuesday, showed the minister engaged in a tense argument with soldiers who were guarding a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd). The altercation unfolded when officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to gain access to the site as part of a development control exercise.
In the footage, Wike is seen reprimanding the officers and accusing the developers of illegal construction without the required approvals. His sharp rebuke of one of the soldiers—during which he called the officer “a fool”—sparked an online uproar and divided opinion nationwide.
Wike Defends His Action
Reacting to the controversy, Wike described the soldiers’ presence on the land as unlawful, accusing them of acting on behalf of the retired naval chief. In a statement shared by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister said the property in question lacked valid ownership and development documents.
“When the matter was brought to my attention, I ordered that no activity should continue there because there were no legal documents or approvals. Yet, soldiers were deployed to chase away FCTA officials,” Wike said.
He explained that his visit to the site became necessary after reports that soldiers had again prevented FCTA personnel from carrying out enforcement duties.
“I will not tolerate intimidation or lawlessness,” the minister declared, adding that he had briefed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised to investigate the incident.
Wike reaffirmed that the FCTA would continue to reclaim encroached government land “regardless of the influence or position of those involved.”
Mixed Political and Public Reactions
Opinions across political circles and civil society have sharply differed over the minister’s conduct.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Joe Igbokwe, demanded disciplinary action against the soldier involved, describing the confrontation as “gross insubordination.” In a Facebook post, he said: “That soldier’s uniform should be removed. This behaviour is unacceptable.”
However, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka faulted Wike’s handling of the situation. In a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law,” Chidoka said the minister erred by personally confronting uniformed officers.
“Abusing a law enforcement officer, who represents the state’s authority, diminishes the dignity of public office,” he argued. He added that proper communication with the Ministry of Defence would have been a more appropriate approach.
Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, commending Wike’s efforts in restoring order in Abuja but cautioning him “not to turn enforcement into public stunts involving soldiers.”
Military Veterans and Rights Groups Condemn the Outburst
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans condemned Wike’s remarks, accusing him of disrespecting the Armed Forces. The group’s spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said the minister’s language was “disgraceful and unbecoming of a public official.”
“If the soldier is sanctioned for this incident, we will mobilise protests,” the veterans warned, demanding that Wike issue a public apology for “verbally assaulting a serving officer.”
Similarly, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) denounced the alleged deployment of troops to guard private property, calling it unconstitutional.
In a statement signed by its president, **Olu Omotayo**, the group described the episode as “a reflection of systemic decay and misuse of the military for personal interests.”
Citing Section 217(2)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, Omotayo argued that the Armed Forces may only act in aid of civil authorities upon a presidential directive and under the law.
“The use of soldiers in a land dispute is a violation of democratic principles,” he said, urging the military to focus on combating insecurity instead of “protecting private estates.”
Buratai: Wike’s Conduct Undermines National Security
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), also criticised Wike’s outburst, describing it as “a direct threat to national security.”
In a statement, Buratai said: “Publicly disparaging a uniformed officer undermines the chain of command and erodes respect for the Commander-in-Chief’s authority. This conduct damages the morale of those serving the nation.”
He urged the minister to apologise to President Bola Tinubu and to the Nigerian military, warning that “politicising or publicly ridiculing the Armed Forces endangers institutional integrity.”
The confrontation between Wike and the military officer has exposed broader concerns about civil-military relations, the rule of law, and the limits of ministerial authority. As reactions continue to pour in, Nigerians remain divided over whether the minister’s tough stance represents accountability in action or an abuse of executive power.
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