In the wake of the viral confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval officer Lieutenant A.M. Yarima over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has weighed in, describing the incident as a troubling reflection of Nigeria’s deepening institutional disorder.
In a post titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection” shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed concern over what he called a “routine civic encounter” devolving into a “national embarrassment.” He questioned the conduct of public officials and the role of military personnel in civil matters, asking:
“Should the military be used for purely civil operations? Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?”
Obi emphasized that beyond the personalities involved, the clash raises serious questions about governance, discipline, and the erosion of institutional norms in Nigeria.
⚖️ The Incident That Sparked Debate
The confrontation, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, showed Wike in a heated exchange with Lt. Yarima after soldiers reportedly blocked access to a land site in the Gaduwa district of Abuja. The altercation has since ignited public debate about the limits of ministerial authority and the role of the military in civilian affairs.
🧠 Obi’s Broader Message
Obi’s reaction goes beyond the immediate clash. He urged Nigerians to reflect on the growing trend of disorder in public institutions and called for a recommitment to civility, due process, and respect for boundaries between government and security forces.
“The needless altercation between the FCT Minister and a naval officer is yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country,” he stated
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