The controversy surrounding the clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has continued to generate reactions, as former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, warned that disrespect toward uniformed personnel amounts to an attack on the authority of the Nigerian state.
Matawalle dismissed any basis for disciplining Lieutenant A. Yerima, the naval officer involved in the confrontation with Wike, describing the entire incident as “avoidable and unnecessary.”
Meanwhile, Wike yesterday refuted social media reports alleging he had personal issues with the military, insisting instead that he would not allow intimidation in the course of enforcing the law.
Speaking at the national dialogue on media, terrorism and national security during the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Abuja, General Irabor reminded Nigerians that military uniforms symbolize the authority, power, and dignity of the nation—not just the individual wearing them.
According to him, “The uniform is not about the person wearing it; it represents the authority of the state. Whether junior or senior, attacking a person in uniform is an insult to the state itself.”
Irabor, who headed the Armed Forces from 2021 to 2023, said most public reactions to the clash were “misguided,” noting that many people had missed the central issue. He emphasized that even high-ranking officers are prohibited from physically assaulting their subordinates, as the military operates strictly within established codes of conduct.
“Even as a General, I cannot slap a soldier. If I do, I will be disciplined. Misconduct has formal channels of redress, and that is what differentiates a lawful society from a jungle,” he noted.
He added that any incident must be assessed through actus reus (the act) and mens rea (the intent), stressing that while the FCT minister holds authority over land matters, the essential issue was the respect due to the uniform and what it represents.
“The rule of law provides a process if a uniformed officer misuses authority, but the uniform itself must be respected. That is the foundation of order,” he said.
Matawalle: Naval officer committed no offence
Speaking to DCL Hausa, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said no grounds existed for punishing Lt. Yerima. He argued that Wike should have handled the matter through formal channels rather than a public confrontation.
He explained that the officer simply obeyed lawful orders, maintained discipline, and acted professionally throughout the incident.
“He was trained to be loyal and obedient to orders. He acted lawfully and deserves commendation,” Matawalle said.
He added that the officer violated no military rule and cautioned public officials against undermining the authority of the armed forces.
“Any disrespect to a soldier is indirectly disrespecting the President, the Commander-in-Chief. There is no reason for any punishment against the officer,” he stated.
Wike: I have no quarrel with the military
Wike, however, maintained that his actions were guided strictly by the law and not by emotion, while denying any hostility toward the military.
He argued that no one regardless of position should violate Abuja’s land regulations or obstruct officials carrying out lawful duties.
“You are to obey legal orders. Being a security aide to a former president does not exempt you from accountability. If someone shoots under such orders, they will still be charged,” Wike said.
He added that the issue had been exaggerated online by those trying to portray him as being at odds with the military.
“Government cannot function in disorder. If one person is allowed to break the rules, others will follow,” he said.
PANDEF demands national apology for Wike
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) defended Wike, saying he deserved a national apology for being obstructed while performing his duties. Its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation and sanction all those responsible.
He argued that the officer’s behaviour disrespected not just Wike but the President, whose authority is vested in the FCT minister.
Atiku denies gifting SUV to naval officer
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that he gifted Lt. Yerima a Toyota SUV following the altercation. His media aide, Paul Ibe, described the viral report as false and asked the public to disregard it.
“The story is entirely fabricated,” Ibe stated.
The claim had circulated widely on Facebook, alleging Atiku rewarded the officer after the encounter with Wike over an alleged land-grabbing issue.
