Amanze Chinonye
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to tender an unreserved public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the soldier allegedly prevented from performing his duty during a recent altercation in Abuja.
Buratai made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, condemning Wike’s remarks against the uniformed officer as “a direct threat to national security and the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions.”
“Insulting a uniformed soldier in public is a serious act of indiscipline that undermines the chain of command, weakens the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and dampens the morale of security personnel,” Buratai said.
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The retired general was reacting to a viral video showing Wike in a heated confrontation with a military officer who allegedly stopped him from entering a restricted area in the Gaduwa district of Abuja. The incident occurred on Monday during the minister’s inspection of a disputed property said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
In the clip, Wike, accompanied by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), was seen challenging the officer over what he described as an “illegal construction.” The naval officer reportedly insisted that the property was under the protection of the Navy and that his actions were based on superior orders.
A visibly angry Wike was heard saying: “You are in uniform, and you’re telling me the Navy owns this land? Who gave you the right to build without approval? Even if you are the Chief of Naval Staff, the law must be respected.”
Reacting further, Buratai said Wike’s outburst “transcends mere misconduct” and should not be dismissed as a political misunderstanding but treated as a “breach of national order and respect for the military.”
He urged Wike to issue a public apology to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the officer involved, stressing that “the honour and discipline of our Armed Forces must be protected above all else.”
Buratai also advised the Presidency to take the matter seriously, noting that such actions by public officials, if unchecked, could erode institutional respect and endanger civil-military relations.
As of press time, neither the FCT Administration nor the Nigerian Army had issued an official response to Buratai’s remarks or provided clarification on the disputed Gaduwa property at the centre of the controversy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
