Military Veterans Demand Public Apology from Wike Over Verbal Attack on Naval Officer
Story: written by Zara November 12,2025
A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to publicly apologise for verbally assaulting a young naval officer during a heated confrontation at a disputed land site in Abuja.
The demand follows a viral video showing Wike engaging in a fiery exchange with naval personnel deployed to the location. The minister, who was on an enforcement visit, accused the officers of protecting illegal developers, while one of the naval men insisted they were acting on superior orders from a former Chief of Naval Staff.
As tempers flared, Wike was seen using harsh and insulting language toward one of the officers, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s remarks, describing them as unbecoming of a public official.
“How can a minister openly call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts queried. “He should have reached out to the Chief of Naval Staff privately instead of attempting to embarrass a uniformed officer.”
The group stressed that disrespecting a military officer on duty amounts to undermining the authority of the Nigerian state.
They also warned against any disciplinary action being taken against the officer involved, threatening to occupy the minister’s office and residence if such steps are taken.
“Military officers swear allegiance to the nation, not to individuals in power,” the statement added. “Wike’s outburst diminishes the dignity of his office. He must apologise for his language—it’s unacceptable conduct from a leader.”
