Civil society groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order, following concerns over his conduct in public office.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) condemned what it described as “reckless and uncivil behaviour” by public officials, warning that such actions harm Nigeria’s image and erode public confidence in governance. CISLAC highlighted Wike’s recent confrontation with a military officer as part of a “consistent pattern of arrogance and lack of emotional control” dating back to his tenure as Rivers State governor.

Another advocacy group, #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, also denounced Wike’s verbal attack on a naval officer during an inspection visit to a construction site in Gaduwa, Abuja. Its convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described the incident as “uncalled for, and a direct affront to the honour and integrity of Nigeria’s military institution.”

“We are deeply saddened by the video circulating on social media showing the Minister engaging in a heated altercation with a naval officer. This act sends a dangerous signal that political authority can trample on institutional discipline and national honour,” Ambassador Fatile said.

She urged President Tinubu to demand a public apology from Wike to the Nigerian Armed Forces and emphasized that the officer’s composure demonstrated the core values of discipline and respect in the military. Fatile further called on civil society, religious leaders, and citizens to support the military, cautioning that attempts to demoralize the nation’s defenders could weaken Nigeria’s security.

CISLAC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), who also heads Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, emphasized that public office requires restraint, humility, and discipline, not arrogance or abuse of power.

“Public officials must be civil and civilised in carrying out their responsibilities and must understand the code of conduct that guides public office,” Rafsanjani said.
“The idea of public officials attacking security personnel is unacceptable and passes a wrong message about the nation. They must be role models, not symbols of impunity.”

The groups’ statements come in reaction to the recent altercation between Wike and a military officer, which they describe as gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer.