By Palang Paul
A coalition of retired military veterans has strongly condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for verbally assaulting a naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the group described Wike’s outburst as “unbecoming of a public office holder,” accusing him of using “abusive and demeaning language” against a uniformed officer performing his lawful duty.
“How can a minister of the Federal Republic call a naval officer ‘a fool’ on camera?” Durowaiye-Herberts queried. “A responsible leader should have addressed any grievance through the Chief of Naval Staff instead of publicly humiliating an officer who represents the Nigerian state.”
The veterans warned against any move to sanction the officer, vowing to resist such an action. “If for any reason the officer is punished, we will occupy the FCT Minister’s office and residence,” the spokesman declared.
They further reminded public officials that members of the armed forces pledge allegiance to the nation, not to individuals. “Wike’s conduct undermines the dignity of the ministerial office and disrespects national institutions,” the statement read.
The veterans therefore demanded an immediate public apology from Wike, stressing that such behavior “is not acceptable in a democracy that upholds the rule of law and respect for the uniform.”
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