Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says the clash between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and a naval officer is an “unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder” in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, a viral video surfaced online showing Wike in a heated argument with a military official at a site in Abuja.
In the footage, Wike is seen stepping in to defuse the situation, separating his security detail from the soldiers as tensions escalated.
Speaking with the officers, the minister demanded to see the approval granted to the owners of the land.
A soldier, who appeared to be leading the group, told Wike the officers were not intimidating anyone, stating that the landowner had all the necessary documents.
“On the contrary, sir, we are not intimidating anybody. The papers are complete, and he said he has submitted them,” the soldier said.
‘TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF A DISGRACED COUNTRY’
Reacting in a post on Wednesday, Obi said the episode reflects the growing disregard for institutional protocols in the country.
The former Anambra governor added that the incident raises urgent questions about the use of the military in civilian matters, the respect for administrative boundaries, and the culture of civility.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment— a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country’, ” the post reads.
“Beyond the personalities involved, this incident raises fundamental questions that demand honest national reflection: Should the military be used for purely civil operations?
“If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner?
“Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?
“What does this say about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers? Why are our men and women in uniform so often drawn into civilian disputes?
“Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation?
“If our institutions worked as they should, would tempers flare in situations that should be handled by clear procedure and hierarchy?
“Above all, what example do incidents like this set for our younger generation about leadership, discipline, and the rule of law?”
Obi noted that when public officials act outside institutional norms and security agencies are drawn into civil disputes, governance is weakened and public trust erodes.
He said the nation must learn from such episodes and rebuild institutions stronger than individuals, where office is exercised with humility and uniformed officers’ dignity is respected.
“A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process,” Obi said.
“Repeatedly, I have maintained that to occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished or Honourable, how we get to such an office and our character and behaviour while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications.”
On Wednesday, Mohammed Badaru, minister of defence, said the federal government and military leadership will safeguard all soldiers engaged in lawful duties.
