Former military generals have condemned the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, over a disputed piece of land in Abuja.
The face-off, which went viral on Tuesday, showed the visibly angry minister confronting the officer allegedly deployed by a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), to guard the property.
Amid nationwide outrage, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, confirmed on Wednesday that an investigation had been launched into the incident.
“At the ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty,” Badaru said, commending Yerima for maintaining composure during the altercation.
‘Wike Undermined the Military’ — Buratai
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), described Wike’s conduct as “an act of profound indiscipline” that disrespected the Armed Forces and the Commander-in-Chief.
“A minister’s verbal assault on a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces represents a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity,” Buratai said in a Facebook post, calling for a public apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the affected officer.
Other Retired Officers Weigh In
Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) said the clash reflected “a misuse of power” and violated the chain of command.
“The minister had every right to question the land’s ownership, but through lawful channels, not public confrontation,” Aro stated.
Similarly, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described Wike’s actions as “unacceptable,” saying they amounted to challenging the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.
“Any confrontation with a military officer is, by extension, a confrontation with the President,” he warned.
Wike’s Camp Defends Him
However, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Publicity, Lere Olayinka, defended his principal, claiming the disputed land in Mabushi was fraudulently sold after being originally designated for park and recreation purposes.
“That particular land was allocated in 2007 for park and recreation. The company later partitioned and sold it to individuals, including the former Chief of Naval Staff,”
He added that the retired naval chief “does not own the land” and had no valid title or approved building plan.
Legal Experts Split on the Matter
Constitutional lawyer Prof. Sebastine Hon (SAN) faulted the naval officer’s conduct, saying Yerima breached the law by obstructing a public official on duty.
“By law, the FCT Minister acts in loco for the President regarding land administration in Abuja. The officer’s obstruction was a constitutional affront,” he argued.
But another lawyer and human rights advocate, Pelumi Olajengbesi, disagreed, saying Wike’s confrontation was “reckless and an abuse of office.”
“No minister can lawfully countermand a soldier’s orders or issue instructions to a military officer on duty. A soldier answers to his commanders, not politicians,” Olajengbesi maintained.
FG Orders Full Investigation
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Badaru reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting lawful military operations while ensuring due process in the land dispute.
“We will not allow anything to happen to officers performing their lawful duties,” he assured.
As the controversy deepens, observers say the probe’s outcome could test the limits of civil-military relations and redefine the balance of power between political and security authorities in Nigeria.
