Amanze Chinonye
Retired senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack or redeploy the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his confrontation with a naval officer during an inspection visit in Abuja.
The demand follows a viral video showing Wike referring to Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yarima as a “fool” during an encounter on November 11, 2025, over a disputed land allocation in the Gaduwa district.
The incident sparked outrage across military circles and prompted the federal government to order an investigation into the altercation.
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Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, retired military officers under the umbrella of a coalition representing former generals and senior personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force condemned Wike’s behaviour, describing it as “demeaning,” “unacceptable,” and “a direct affront to the Armed Forces and the Commander-in-Chief.”
The coalition said the Minister’s public outburst was unbefitting of a top government official and amounted to an attempt to embarrass not only the young officer involved but the military institution he represents.
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Calls for Dismissal and Threat of Occupation
The group called on President Tinubu to dismiss or reassign Wike, warning that failure to act would force them to “mobilise and occupy” the FCT Ministry until the minister is removed.
Delivering the main address, Col. Yusuf Ibrahim (retd.) criticised Wike’s conduct, saying the naval officer was carrying out lawful directives and did not deserve to be verbally assaulted.
“It is embarrassing for a public office holder to call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera. Not everyone is worthy of the offices they occupy,” he said. “If Wike was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a senior retired general who was at the scene. Who the hell is Wike?”
Col. Ibrahim insisted that the minister must apologise to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Yarima, and President Tinubu.
Allegations of a Pattern of Hostility
Another member of the coalition, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, who introduced himself as a Deputy Veteran Commander, accused Wike of exhibiting a pattern of hostility toward military personnel.
“If the President refuses to sack Wike, we will mobilise and occupy the Ministry of FCT until he is removed,” he warned, emphasizing that the stance represented the “collective frustration of the retired military community.”
Abdullahi argued that redeploying the minister would not hurt the administration but would instead reinforce respect for military institutions.
Federal Government Orders Probe
Following the public uproar, the federal government has ordered an investigation into the clash to determine whether the minister exceeded his authority or whether the officer acted outside military regulations.
Wike, meanwhile, has defended his actions, saying he was enforcing building control laws and that no uniformed officer is exempt from complying with established urban development rules.
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.
