A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to apologize to the young naval officer for using abusive language on him during a recent confrontation between the two during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja.
In a video which had earlier gone viral, the Minister was seen in a heated exchange with some naval personnel at a site in the FCT.
Wike had visited the location as part of an enforcement operation and questioned the presence of military personnel allegedly guarding the land.
According to the footage, Wike accused the officers of supporting an illegal development, while one of the naval personnel insisted they were acting on orders and that the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The altercation escalated, with Wike reportedly using harsh language against the officer.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer during the encounter.
The group said a public office holder should not use abusive language against security personnel carrying out official duties.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? He should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
According to him, a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state, adding that disrespecting such an officer undermines public institutions.
The veterans also faulted calls for disciplinary action against the officer, saying any such move would be resisted.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” he warned.
He noted that military officers swear loyalty to the country and not to individual public officials and insisted that Wike should apologise to the officer.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” Durowaiye-Herberts added.
