A Commissioned Officer Was Obeying Orders of a Retired Gen. Who No Longer Had a Commission–Kachikwu

The clash between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval Officer Ahmad M. Yerima has ignited significant discussion, raising issues about hierarchy, protocol, and respect for positions of power. In an interview on Symfoni TV, former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu shared his perspective, stressing the boundaries of military power in relation to elected officials.

Kachikwu pointed out that Minister Wike was fulfilling his role as the Chief Security Officer of the Federal Capital Territory and as a representative of the Nigerian President. He clarified that the minister stepped in because his team was being obstructed from carrying out their official responsibilities by a commissioned military officer acting on orders from a retired general, who is no longer active in the military.

The former presidential candidate questioned the validity of those commands, highlighting the ongoing conflict between retired military influence and civil governance. He argued that this situation exemplifies a persistent issue in Nigeria, where outdated power structures and personal interests often conflict with official authority and democratic values.

Kachikwu also expressed concern that discussions surrounding this incident frequently overlook these important complexities, instead focusing on individual personalities and contentious remarks. He noted the importance of understanding the chain of command, the roles of government ministers, and the limitations of retired officers’ authority in order to assess the situation accurately.

Kachikwu stated: “The minister was present in his official capacity as the chief security officer of the Federal Capital Territory and as the representative of the president of Nigeria. He intervened because his staff had been barred from performing their legitimate duties by a commissioned military officer acting under the orders of a retired general who no longer had a commission. Can a retired general without active status give orders that take precedence over those of a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

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