According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, November 15, 2025, a sharp division has emerged between allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and retired military officers regarding the appropriate response to Tuesday’s confrontation between the minister and naval officer Lieutenant Ahmed Yerima. The incident occurred at a disputed Abuja land allegedly belonging to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, where Wike confronted military officers guarding the property.
Retired military officers held a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, demanding decisive action from President Tinubu. The coalition, comprising retired generals and senior officers from various military branches, described Wike’s behavior during the confrontation as “demeaning” and “a direct insult to the Armed Forces.” Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, representing the veterans, issued a stark ultimatum, declaring: “If the President refuses to sack Wike, we will mobilise and occupy the Ministry of FCT until he is removed.”
In contrast, civil society groups have thrown their support behind Minister Wike, calling for an investigation into Lieutenant Yerima’s conduct. The National Coalition for Democratic Integrity described the officer’s actions as “grossly disrespectful” and a direct challenge to civilian oversight principles fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy. They argued that obstructing a minister performing official duties sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine constitutional order.
The Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, responded to the veterans’ demands by noting their constitutional right to express opinions while indicating the minister had sufficiently clarified his position. Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu characterized the controversy as reflecting deeper national intolerance, suggesting that public reaction was influenced more by personal attitudes toward Wike than the incident’s factual circumstances.
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