“Wike–Naval Officer Clash Sparks National Debate on Respect for Uniformed Officers”

The fallout from the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja continues to dominate national discourse, as prominent defence figures warn that disrespect toward uniformed personnel undermines the authority of the Nigerian state.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said Thursday that any affront to officers in uniform is an affront to the nation itself. Irabor stressed that military uniforms represent “the power, dignity and sovereignty of the nation,” adding that public reactions to the incident were “largely misguided.”

Irabor reminded citizens that even the highest-ranking officers are bound by strict codes of conduct. “Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier,” he said, urging Nigerians to follow due process when addressing misconduct by security personnel.

Matawalle, in a separate interview, dismissed any basis for disciplining Lieutenant A. Yerima, the officer involved in the confrontation with Wike. He said the officer acted professionally and merely obeyed lawful orders. “Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President,” he said, warning public officials against undermining the military.

Responding to growing online speculation, Wike denied having any rift with the military and insisted he acted strictly within the law. The minister said no individual—regardless of status—would be allowed to violate Abuja’s land regulations or intimidate government officials.

Wike maintained that the incident had been blown out of proportion by those seeking to portray him as anti-military. “I have respect for the military… I don’t have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem,” he said, adding that governance cannot thrive in a lawless society.

Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, threw its weight behind Wike, calling for a full investigation and a national apology to the minister. PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the treatment Wike received was “an affront on the office of the President.”

In a separate development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar debunked viral claims that he gifted an SUV to Lt. Yerima. Atiku’s media aide described the report as “entirely fabricated,” urging the public to disregard it.