Abuja, Nigeria — The Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has categorically denied claims that the minister verbally abused Lt. A.M. Yerima of the Nigerian Navy during a land-use enforcement visit in the Gaduwa area of Abuja.
In a statement released yesterday, the minister says:
“Some people are saying that I told the naval officer ‘You're a fool’. It’s not true — I never said so. People are just talking junks. I know what the military has passed through in fighting insurgency and I’ve always given my support to security agencies.”
The incident occurred during an enforcement operation on land alleged to be subject to conflicting claims. According to media sources, the naval officer was on site to secure the location when the minister arrived. Video footage circulating online shows a heated exchange between the parties, which has since sparked outrage among military veterans.
Veteran groups have criticised the minister’s conduct, arguing that any perception of disrespect towards a uniformed officer undermines the integrity and discipline of the armed forces. They are demanding a public apology and cautioning that any disciplinary action against the officer would be resisted.
On his part, the minister insists that no abusive remark was made, and affirms his respect for the military and security agencies in Nigeria. He emphasised that online commentary and “people talking junks” should not be mistaken for fact.
Meanwhile, the federal government has reportedly ordered a probe into the matter to determine how a clash between a civilian minister and a naval officer arose during what should have been a routine land-use enforcement visit.
What’s next:
- The probe’s outcome will clarify whether any rules of engagement were breached by either side.
- Military veterans are watching closely and may escalate their demand for accountability if no action is taken.
- The broader land-dispute backdrop raises questions about procedure, authority, and conflict between civil and military roles in enforcement situations.
As investigations continue, stakeholders will be looking to the FCTA and the Ministry of Defence to reaffirm the boundaries of respect, authority and protocol when civilian and military actors engage.
— Abuja Network News