In a video shared on Facebook, Niger Delta leader and Kalabari chieftain, Asari Dokubo, weighed in on the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Navy Commander A.M. Yerima. Dokubo defended Wike, insisting that as a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he occupies a position far superior to that of a naval officer.
Quoting his own statement, Dokubo declared, “Wike is higher than Yerima, Wike is even higher than the Chief of Naval Staff.” He argued that the military must understand the boundaries of its authority and respect the hierarchy established by Nigeria’s constitutional order. According to him, the minister represents the President directly in his jurisdiction, and no military officer has the right to challenge or obstruct him while performing his duties.
Dokubo criticized the growing trend of uniformed officers intimidating civilian authorities, warning that such behavior undermines democracy and threatens national stability. He said that the military should focus on its professional mandate rather than interfering in civil governance.
He further emphasized that Wike, as FCT Minister, oversees matters that concern national administration, including land and security policies, and therefore should not be publicly disrespected. “The Navy, Army, Air Force — they all come under the President, and Wike is serving under the President’s authority,” Dokubo added.
Asari Dokubo’s remarks have since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians divided over his assertion that a minister’s position supersedes that of top military officers. While some supported his constitutional argument, others viewed his comments as provocative and unnecessary amid rising tensions.
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