Nigerian Military Veterans Demand Public Apology from Wike for ‘Disrespecting Uniform’

• A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has demanded a public apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his verbal altercation with a naval officer in Abuja.

A coalition of Nigerian military veterans has called out Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demanding a public apology over his recent confrontation with a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

The demand comes after a viral video showed Wike in a heated exchange with naval personnel at a site in the Gaduwa District, where he accused the officers of aiding an illegal land development. One of the naval officers, however, insisted they were acting on legitimate orders, claiming the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

The argument intensified when Wike reportedly used insulting language against the officer — a moment that has since sparked a wave of reactions online. While some commentators faulted the officer for challenging a serving minister, others defended him for maintaining composure in the face of provocation.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the Coalition of Military Veterans condemned Wike’s outburst, describing it as “unbecoming of a public office holder.”

“How can a minister 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 uniformed officer in public,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.

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He emphasised that a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state, and that Wike’s action “undermines the integrity of national institutions.”

The group also rejected suggestions for disciplinary action against the officer involved, warning that veterans across the country would resist such a move.

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

Durowaiye-Herberts added that officers owe allegiance to the Nigerian state, not to individual politicians, and that respect for the uniform must be upheld at all times.

“Wike’s behaviour demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He must apologise publicly for his remarks. Disrespecting a uniformed officer is not acceptable in any democracy,” he added.

The controversy has reignited debate over civil–military relations in Nigeria and the growing concerns about how public officials interact with the armed forces.