The controversy surrounding the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has continued to generate reactions, as former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have stressed that disrespect toward uniformed personnel amounts to an affront on the Nigerian state.
Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Abuja, Gen. Irabor said the uniform worn by military and security personnel represents national authority, dignity, and sovereignty, and must be accorded respect at all times.
“The uniform is not about who is wearing it. Any act of disrespect toward a uniformed officer is an insult to the state,” Irabor said.
He described public commentary on the Wike–Lieutenant A. Yerima encounter as “misguided,” noting that the military operates a strict code of conduct that even forbids senior officers from physically assaulting subordinates.
“There are laid-down mechanisms for discipline. Even as a general, I cannot slap my soldier,” he added.
Irabor explained that the controversy should be viewed through the legal lenses of actus reus (the act) and mens rea (the intent), noting that the wider issue is the respect owed to state authority embodied by uniformed officers.
Matawalle: Naval Officer Committed No Offence
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also dismissed calls for disciplinary action against Lt. Yerima.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle said the officer acted professionally, obeyed lawful instructions, and maintained composure throughout the encounter.
“He merely carried out his duty. There is no offence under military law for which he should be punished,” he said.
Matawalle added that Wike ought to have channelled his grievance through the officer’s superiors rather than engaging in a public exchange.
The minister warned that disrespecting a soldier equates to undermining the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.
Wike Denies Feud With Military
Responding to the controversy, Wike debunked claims of a rift with the military, insisting he acted within the law.
He said the FCT Administration would not yield to intimidation or tolerate actions that violate Abuja’s land-use regulations.
“I have respect for the military. Anyone suggesting I have issues with them is wrong,” Wike said, adding that he remains committed to upholding due process and protecting the Abuja Master Plan.
PANDEF Demands National Apology for Wike
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) said Wike deserved a national apology, arguing that the minister was obstructed from performing his lawful duties.
In a statement, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, called on President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation into the incident, saying the naval officer’s conduct undermined civil authority delegated through the FCT minister.
Atiku Denies Gifting SUV to Naval Officer
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also denied social media claims that he gifted a Toyota SUV to Lt. Yerima following the incident.
A statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described the report as “entirely fabricated” and urged the public to disregard it.
The viral rumour, circulated on Facebook, alleged that Atiku rewarded the officer over the confrontation with the FCT minister.
