Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has weighed in on the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa area.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection,” Obi described the confrontation as “needless” and a reflection of the growing erosion of institutional order in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor lamented that what should have been a routine civic engagement had turned into a national embarrassment. He stressed that the incident mirrors a deeper problem of disorder within the nation’s institutions.
“Beyond the personalities involved — a minister and a naval officer representing a former Chief of Naval Staff — this incident raises serious questions about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers,” Obi wrote.
He questioned why the military continues to be drawn into civilian matters, asking whether proper protocols were followed and if a minister’s intervention should take such a confrontational form. Obi emphasised the need for clear boundaries between administrative authorities and security agencies.
He further queried, “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 such tempers flare?”
Obi warned that when public officials overstep institutional norms and when security agencies are deployed beyond their professional boundaries, both governance and public trust are weakened.
Calling for reflection and reform, he urged leaders to rebuild a nation where “institutions are stronger than individuals” and where public office is exercised with “humility and restraint.”
He added, “Any nation that seeks greatness must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process. Titles such as ‘His Excellency’ or ‘Honourable’ must reflect in our conduct, both in and out of office.”
