Military Veterans Demand Tinubu Sack Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer
Tension escalated on Friday as a coalition of retired senior military officers issued a strong ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate sack or redeployment of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.
The group, operating under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Military Veterans, includes retired generals and senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. They described Wike’s conduct as “demeaning,” “unacceptable,” and “an insult to the Armed Forces and the Commander-in-Chief.”
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing a visibly angry Wike engaging in a heated exchange with a naval officer identified as Lt. Commander Yerima.
The officer was reportedly guarding a disputed plot of land on the directive of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.). Wike accused the ex-naval chief of illegally acquiring the land, leading to the confrontation.
During the face-off, Wike was heard calling the naval officer “a fool,” a remark that has since sparked widespread outrage within military circles.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, a Board of Trustees member of the coalition, Col. Yusuf Ibrahim (retd.), condemned Wike’s actions as unbecoming of a public office holder.
“We are taken aback that a minister would publicly call a commissioned naval officer ‘a fool’ on camera,” Ibrahim stated. “The officer was carrying out lawful instructions. Insulting him is as good as insulting the President, who he represents. This behaviour is embarrassing and beneath the office Wike occupies.”
The coalition warned that if President Tinubu fails to take decisive action, they would “mobilise and occupy the FCT Ministry” until Wike is removed from office.
They further argued that the minister should have addressed his concerns with the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than “attempting to disgrace a very senior retired general.”
“Not everyone is worthy of the positions they hold,” Ibrahim added. “If Wike was responsible, he would have handled this matter with dignity. Who the hell is Wike to insult an officer representing state authority?”
The presidency and the FCT Minister’s office have yet to respond to the growing calls for action.
The clash has deepened debates surrounding civil-military relations, respect for constituted authority, and the conduct expected of public officials in Nigeria.
