Military Veterans Blast Wike, Demand Apology For Insulting Officer

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to tender a public apology to a young naval officer after verbally assaulting him during a heated confrontation in Abuja.

The altercation, captured in a viral video, showed Wike angrily exchanging words with naval personnel at a disputed land site in the FCT, where he had gone on an enforcement visit.

In the clip, the Minister accused the officers of protecting an illegal development, while one of them insisted they were acting under orders and that the land in question belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The situation quickly escalated, with Wike allegedly using abusive language against the officer, sparking public outrage and widespread debate.

Reacting to the incident, the Coalition of Military Veterans, through its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, strongly criticised Wike’s conduct, describing it as unbecoming of a public office holder.

“How can a public official call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts questioned. “He should have contacted the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to humiliate a retired senior officer.”

The group stressed that uniformed personnel represent the authority of the Nigerian state, and any public disrespect towards them undermines national institutions.

They also warned against any attempt to sanction the officer involved, saying such action would be met with resistance.

“If, for any reason, the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the FCT Minister’s office and residence,” the spokesperson warned.

The coalition maintained that soldiers owe allegiance to the nation, not to individual officeholders, and insisted that Wike must apologise for his words.

“Wike’s behaviour demeans the dignity of his office. He must apologise to the officer for using abusive language. Such conduct is unacceptable,” Durowaiye-Herberts stated.