A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to apologise to a young naval officer following a heated confrontation during an enforcement visit to a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
The demand comes after a viral video showed Wike engaged in a tense exchange with naval personnel at the site, where he questioned their presence and accused them of backing an illegal construction project. The officers, however, maintained that they were acting under official directives and that the land in question belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The altercation reportedly escalated when Wike used harsh and demeaning language toward one of the officers, a move that has since drawn backlash from several quarters.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned the minister’s conduct, describing it as “disrespectful and unbecoming of a public office holder.”
“How can a minister call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts queried. “He should have reached out to the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to humiliate a serving officer publicly.”
The group warned against any disciplinary action being taken against the officer involved, vowing to resist such a move.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” Durowaiye-Herberts warned.
He further stressed that military officers owe allegiance to the Nigerian state, not to individual public officials, and urged Wike to tender an unreserved apology.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. Using abusive language on an officer in uniform is unacceptable and must not be overlooked,” he added.
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