According to Channels tv, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has continued to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja, stressing that the issue was not about ego or power play, but about the basic respect and protocol expected in an interaction between security personnel and a serving minister of the Federal Republic. Speaking on the incident, Wike expressed displeasure that despite approaching the scene calmly and introducing himself in his official capacity, the officer stood his ground in a manner he described as dismissive and unprofessional.
According to Wike, even if the officer believed he was acting on instruction, the minimum courtesy expected was to acknowledge the presence of a senior government official and seek clarification. “If as minister I arrive, you cannot have that respect to say, ‘Sir, I will get back to you,’” Wike said, insisting that such an attitude undermines order and cooperation between government agencies.
Wike argued that discipline in the military is not only about obeying commands but also about exercising discretion, respect, and sound judgment. He noted that in situations where there is a conflict of authority, the standard procedure is to escalate the matter to a superior officer, not to escalate tension on the ground. “Nobody asked him to disobey his commander. All I expected was a simple, ‘Sir, let me confirm.’ That is what training teaches,” he explained.
The minister emphasised that his presence at the site was not accidental; he was there as part of an official FCTA operation to enforce development laws and address illegal land occupation. Wike wondered why an officer who was not the primary beneficiary of the disputed land would take it upon himself to challenge an enforcement exercise rather than allow the proper government channels to handle the matter.
He also hinted that the officer’s posture may have been influenced by external interests, stressing that military personnel must be careful not to become tools in the hands of powerful individuals seeking to circumvent the law. “Respecting civil authority is not weakness. It is professionalism,” Wike noted.
Wike further dismissed claims that he disrespected the military, insisting that his frustration came from the officer’s refusal to follow proper communication channels. He praised the Defence Minister and military leadership for moving swiftly to diffuse the tension and reaffirm inter-agency cooperation.
Want more updates on this story? Click below to read More News
Leave a Reply