Bob James Esq., a Nigerian solicitor has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court calling for the immediate suspension of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from the Body of Benchers.
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The petition, addressed to the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, cites Wike’s “dishonorable public conduct” during a heated confrontation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a young naval officer, on November 11 in Abuja. Video footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Wike repeatedly calling the officer a “fool” amid a land enforcement dispute in the capital.
According to James, Wike’s behavior as a senior lawyer and ex-officio member of the Body of Benchers responsible for admitting new lawyers to the bar and upholding professional standards violates the decorum expected of legal practitioners. The petition references Section 4(1)(e) of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA), warning that such conduct could erode public confidence in the profession.
The clash occurred when Yerima, reportedly acting on instructions regarding a property dispute, blocked Wike’s convoy. Eyewitnesses and circulating footage show the former Rivers State governor engaging in a prolonged verbal exchange that James describes as “vulgar language or the kind of aggression associated with motor park people.”
The petition comes amid criticism from military veterans, retired generals, and civil society groups, who have condemned Wike’s outburst as disrespectful to the armed forces. Former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor accused Wike of “disrespecting Tinubu” by attacking a military officer, while a coalition of ex-generals has demanded a formal apology and probe. The federal government has ordered an investigation, with the FCT Administration promising a thorough review.
Bob James Esq., and wikeWike, in a press briefing on November 13, defended his actions, stating, “I respect institutions, but the right thing must be done,” insisting the confrontation stemmed from Yerima’s alleged obstruction of official duties. He has not publicly responded to the petition.
The petition also references the case of Ayorinde v. Kufoniji (2007) NWLR (pt. 1024) 341 at p. 369, where the court held that “lawyers must guard their tongue and pens in and out of court.” James urged that Wike be suspended pending investigation to protect the integrity of the Body of Benchers.
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