The controversy surrounding the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has continued to generate reactions, with former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, warning that disrespecting uniformed security personnel is equivalent to undermining the authority of the Nigerian state.

Both defence chiefs maintained that the naval officer involved, Lt. A. Yerima, committed no offence and should not be subjected to discipline over the incident, which they described as avoidable.

‘Uniform Represents the State’ — Irabor

Speaking at the national dialogue on media, terrorism, and national security during the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) 2025 in Abuja, Irabor stressed that military uniforms carry the weight and dignity of national sovereignty.

According to him, the backlash against Wike’s altercation with the officer had been largely misdirected, as many public commentators were “missing the underlying principle.”

“The uniform is not about the individual wearing it; it symbolizes the authority of the state,” Irabor said. “Any disparaging action or insult directed at a uniformed person is, in essence, an affront on the nation.”

He further emphasized that even senior military commanders are bound by strict conduct guidelines and cannot physically reprimand subordinates outside established procedures.

“Even as a General, I cannot slap a soldier without facing disciplinary action,” he added. “There are mechanisms for addressing wrongdoing. That is what sets a lawful society apart from chaos.”

Irabor explained that offences must always be considered through the lens of both the act (actus reus) and the intent (mens rea), noting that the debate should focus on respect for institutions rather than personalities.

‘No Grounds for Punishing Naval Officer’ — Matawalle

In a similar stance, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said there was no basis for any disciplinary action against Lt. Yerima.

Speaking on DCL Hausa, Matawalle said the officer acted professionally and merely followed lawful orders. He noted that any concerns Wike had should have been conveyed through the military hierarchy rather than through a public confrontation.

“The officer explained he was carrying out his assigned duty,” Matawalle said. “Wike should not have engaged him in an argument. He should have contacted the relevant authorities.”

He insisted that the officer neither breached military protocol nor acted disrespectfully.

“His conduct was proper, disciplined, and in line with military expectations,” he said, adding that disrespecting uniformed personnel amounts to indirectly challenging the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Wike: I Have No Issues With the Military

Responding to viral claims suggesting he is hostile towards the military, Wike denied any rift and insisted he acted strictly within the law.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, he maintained that the FCT Administration would not bow to intimidation or allow violations of Abuja’s land-use regulations by anyone — regardless of status or affiliation.

“You must obey lawful directives,” Wike said. “If you shoot someone on the orders of a former president, will that excuse you from a murder charge? Of course not.”

He stressed that efforts to portray him as anti-military were unfounded and politically motivated.

“I respect the military and know what they stand for,” he said. “If I had issues with them, I know the proper channels — from the service chiefs to the President.”

Wike argued that the confrontation was being exaggerated by those intent on creating conflict where none existed.

PANDEF: Officer’s Conduct Undermined Wike’s Office

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) sided with Wike, claiming he deserved a national apology for being hindered in the discharge of his duties.

In a statement, PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation, stating that the officer’s conduct was disrespectful not just to Wike, but to the office of the President, which the FCT minister represents.

He argued that such actions threaten the integrity of civilian authority, which is essential for democratic governance.

Atiku Disowns Rumoured SUV Gift to Naval Officer

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed social media claims alleging he gifted Lt. Yerima a brand-new Toyota SUV following the incident.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the story as entirely false.

“The claim that Atiku Abubakar gifted a vehicle to Lt. Ahmed Yerima is fabricated and should be ignored,” Ibe said.

The rumour, which spread widely online, claimed Atiku rewarded the officer for standing his ground during the confrontation with the minister.