Nigerian Defence Minister Bello Matawalle has sharply criticized the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for personally confronting a naval officer at a disputed site in Abuja, despite repeated counsel from senior military officials to wait for an internal investigation.
The incident, which stirred public attention after a heated exchange between Wike and Lieutenant Commander Yerima at a property in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, was captured in a video that quickly went viral. Wike was seen accusing the naval officer of obstructing his directives concerning the land in question, purportedly occupied by the military.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle described the encounter as “unfortunate,” stressing that Wike had previously reached out to both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. Both military leaders advised patience and recommended allowing the proper investigative processes to unfold before any direct action.
“What happened at the site was regrettable,” Matawalle said. “The officer was following lawful orders and displayed discipline and respect throughout. Wike should have addressed his concerns through the appropriate chain of command rather than confronting the officer directly.”
Matawalle emphasized the importance of respecting military hierarchy and discipline, noting that the naval officer acted within his duty and committed no breach of military regulations. The Defence Minister warned that disrespect toward uniformed personnel undermines not just the military’s authority but also that of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
“There is no basis for punishing the officer; his conduct was professional and lawful,” Matawalle stated. “Government officials must respect members of the Armed Forces, recognizing the chain of command.”
The Defence Minister clarified that his remarks were not intended to excuse any military misconduct but to highlight the necessity of following proper procedures. He recounted that despite the advice to await the outcome of the military inquiry—a process assured by the Chief of Naval Staff—Wike proceeded to the site and engaged the naval personnel.
“As a leader, he should have shown patience and allowed the investigation to take place,” Matawalle asserted.
Following the incident, the Chief of Naval Staff visited the disputed land to commence a formal investigation into its ownership. Matawalle reiterated that any resolution, including possible land revocation, must be conducted through diplomatic and administrative channels, not public confrontation.
The Defence Minister also noted that the Ministry of Defence has yet to receive any official complaint from Wike regarding the matter. However, Matawalle personally contacted the FCT Minister after the incident gained widespread attention, advising that concerns be directed through proper channels going forward.
“We encourage cooperation and due process to resolve such disputes without escalation,” Matawalle concluded.
