Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has sharply criticized the recent public altercation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a Nigerian naval officer, calling it a “national embarrassment” and emblematic of deeper institutional failures in Nigeria.
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In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Obi described the incident as “yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country.” He argued that what should have been a routine interaction had devolved into a “public spectacle,” highlighting systemic issues in governance and the misuse of security forces.
The confrontation occurred on Tuesday during Wike’s inspection tour of land plots in the Gaduwa district of Abuja, part of the FCT’s ongoing crackdown on alleged illegal land allocations and encroachments. Tensions escalated when Wike encountered Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, a naval officer reportedly securing a disputed plot claimed by the military. Video footage of the exchange, which has since gone viral, shows Wike berating the officer and demanding his identity, while the lieutenant stood firm, citing orders to protect the land.
Legal experts have weighed in, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sunday Ameh noting that the naval officer may have breached protocol by engaging in a civilian land dispute without proper authorization. In response, Wike has reportedly banned mobile phones for staff at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) to prevent further leaks of sensitive inspections.
The Defence Headquarters issued a cryptic social media post shortly after the video surfaced, quoting a biblical verse on humility and authority: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18), which many interpreted as a subtle rebuke of the minister’s conduct.
Obi’s commentary, titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection,” goes beyond the personalities involved to probe broader questions about Nigeria’s governance. He questioned the appropriateness of deploying military personnel for civil operations, the lack of clear boundaries between administrative and security roles, and the erosion of due process in public life.
“Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be conducted in such an indecorous manner?” Obi wrote. “What does this say about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers? Why are our men and women in uniform so often drawn into civilian disputes?”
He emphasized that such incidents undermine public trust and set a poor example for the youth, urging a shift from “the culture of impunity” to one rooted in “law, order, and respect for due process.” Obi reiterated his long-held view that titles like “His Excellency” must be earned through character and behavior, both in and out of office.
“A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process,” he concluded, signing off with his signature: “A New Nigeria is Possible. -PO.”
This is not the first time Wike’s combative style has drawn scrutiny since his appointment as FCT Minister in 2023. His aggressive push against land grabbers has recovered thousands of hectares for development but has also led to high-profile clashes, including with traditional rulers and private developers.
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