Military veterans across Nigeria have condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for verbally attacking a naval officer during an enforcement operation on a disputed land in Abuja.
The Coalition of Retired Veterans, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, described Wike’s conduct as “disrespectful and unbecoming of a public official.”
Durowaiye-Herberts criticised the minister for calling the officer “a fool” on camera, saying such behaviour undermines the authority of the Nigerian state.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a serving officer,” he said.
He noted that uniformed officers represent the sovereignty and authority of the Nigerian state, warning that public ridicule of security personnel weakens institutional respect.
READ ALSO: Soldiers block Wike from accessing Abuja land
The coalition also rejected calls for disciplinary action against the naval officer, vowing to resist any such move.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” the spokesman warned.
The veterans further demanded a public apology from Wike, saying his comments “demean the dignity of the ministerial office.”
“Wike’s action is unacceptable. As a leader, he should model restraint and respect for the nation’s security forces,” Durowaiye-Herberts added.
