Veterans Coalition Warns Wike To Apologise Over Abusive Exchange With Naval Officer In Abuja

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologise to a young naval officer following their heated confrontation during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja.

The demand comes after a viral video showed Wike angrily exchanging words with naval personnel stationed at the site. The Minister, who had arrived for an inspection, accused the officers of protecting illegal developers, while one of them insisted they were acting under lawful orders and that the land was connected to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The argument quickly escalated, with Wike allegedly using offensive language against the officer.

Reacting through a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s conduct, describing it as disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official.

“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? He should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.

The group argued that every uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state, warning that such public humiliation undermines respect for national institutions.

The veterans also rejected calls for disciplinary action against the officer, threatening mass action if any punishment is imposed.

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

He added that Wike’s behaviour diminished the dignity of his office and urged him to take responsibility. “Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” Durowaiye-Herberts concluded.