Wike–Naval Officer Clash: Respect for Uniformed Services Is Respect for the State — Irabor, Matawalle

The controversy surrounding last week’s confrontation between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has continued to generate reactions, with former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, stressing that disrespecting uniformed personnel equates to disrespecting the Nigerian state.

Matawalle reaffirmed that there was no justification for disciplining Lieutenant A. Yerima, the officer involved in the confrontation, describing the incident as “unnecessary and avoidable.”

Meanwhile, Wike denied reports alleging he has a personal rift with the military, insisting he would not tolerate intimidation or attempts to undermine the rule of law.

Irabor: Insulting Uniformed Officers Is Insulting the State

Delivering the keynote address at the national dialogue on media, terrorism, and national security during the 21st All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, ANEC 2025, in Abuja, Gen. Irabor emphasised that the uniform worn by security personnel represents national authority.

“The uniform is not about who is wearing it; it represents the authority of the state. Whether it’s a young officer or a senior one, when you make disparaging remarks or act against them, you are, in fact, insulting the state itself.”

Irabor, who headed the armed forces from 2021 to 2023, criticised public reactions to the Wike–officer encounter as “largely misguided,” arguing that many had “missed the real issue.”

He reminded Nigerians that military personnel operate strictly under law and internal codes, noting:

“Even as a General, I cannot slap my soldier. If I do, I will face disciplinary action. There are laid-down mechanisms for addressing misconduct, and that is what distinguishes a state governed by law from a jungle.”

Referencing legal principles of actus reus and mens rea, Irabor noted that although the FCT minister has authority over land matters, respect for the uniform remains paramount.
He urged citizens to follow lawful channels when addressing misconduct by security personnel.

“If the person in uniform misuses his authority, he will be dealt with, but the uniform itself must be respected. That’s what sustains order in a civilised society.”

Matawalle: Naval Officer Committed No Offence

In an interview with DCL Hausa, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said there was no basis for disciplining Lt. Yerima, stating that the officer acted professionally and within his orders.

“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate… Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officer’s superiors.”

Matawalle insisted that Yerima’s conduct was lawful and disciplined.

“The officer’s action was lawful because he was trained to be disciplined, loyal and obedient to orders… He did not commit any offence under military regulations.”

He warned public officials against undermining the authority of the armed forces:

“Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief. There is, therefore, no basis for any punishment against the officer.”

Wike: No Feud With Military, Only Defending the Law

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Wike denied having issues with the armed forces and insisted that the FCT Administration would not bow to intimidation or permit violations of Abuja land regulations.

“You are told to obey legal things… Don’t use intimidation, don’t try to weaken government. You cannot weaken government.”

Wike maintained that he respects the military and dismissed social media insinuations of a personal grudge.

“I don’t have a problem with the military and I will not have a problem… If we are having a problem with the military, I know where to run to.”

He added that the matter had been exaggerated by individuals eager to present him as being in conflict with the military.

PANDEF: Wike Owed a National Apology

PANDEF, the leading socio-political body in the South-South, defended Wike, saying he deserved a national apology for being prevented from carrying out his duty.

In a statement, National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, called on President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation.

Igali insisted the officer’s conduct undermined not only Wike but also the authority of the President, whose powers are delegated to the FCT minister.

Atiku: I Never Gifted Naval Officer an SUV

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims circulating online that he gifted Lt. Yerima a new Toyota SUV following the confrontation.

His media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the story in a statement on X:

“The story is entirely fabricated and should be completely disregarded by the public.”

The false report, which originated on Facebook, alleged that Atiku rewarded the officer over the land dispute incident with Wike.

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