Military Veterans Condemn Wike’s Outburst, Demand Apology and Redeployment
The Coalition of Military Veterans of Nigeria has condemned the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a serving Navy Lieutenant, describing the Minister’s conduct as “embarrassing, unacceptable, and demeaning to the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Friday, the veterans expressed dismay that a public office holder would openly refer to a uniformed officer as “a fool” in a viral video, insisting that Wike’s action fell short of the dignity expected of a minister serving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Deputy National Coordinator of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Secretary-General, Northern Coalition of Concerned Military Veterans, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the Minister should have channelled any grievances through appropriate security authorities, including engaging the Chief of Naval Staff privately, rather than engaging in what they described as an unnecessary public confrontation with an officer who was “simply carrying out his lawful orders.”
They argued that the Minister’s conduct not only demeaned the officer involved but also undermined the authority of the Armed Forces and, by extension, the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“Why should a law enforcement officer who represents the President and the sovereignty of the Nigerian state be embarrassed in such a manner?” the group queried. “Insulting an officer commissioned by the President is as good as insulting the President himself.”
The veterans warned that no nation thrives when its military is subjected to public ridicule, stating that Wike’s behaviour attempted to “humiliate, frustrate, and erode the values and discipline” of the military profession.
They reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and stressed that members of the Armed Forces must always be accorded respect by all appointees of the Federal Government.
The group commended the prompt intervention of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Chief of Defence Staff; Service Chiefs; and the Inspector-General of Police in diffusing tension and addressing the matter.
As part of its recommendations, the Coalition urged President Tinubu to “remove or redeploy” the FCT Minister to another ministry, describing the step as necessary to safeguard national security and protect the integrity of the administration.
They also demanded a public apology from Wike to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the affected naval officer, and the Nigerian public.
“We remain fully loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and committed to defending our democracy,” the statement added
GNN24 News 