The Pan Niger Delta Forum has escalated its criticism of the confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, insisting that the incident represents a deeper breakdown in respect for civil authority.
In its reaction on Thursday, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the action of the naval officer amounted to “public ridicule” of the powers delegated to the minister by the President. He urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation and sanction those involved.
According to him, “the behaviour displayed in that encounter was not only an affront on Chief Wike but a direct slight on the office of the President.”
Igali explained that the organisation was disturbed by the tone of social media reactions, which appeared to celebrate the naval officer’s conduct. He warned that the trend encourages disrespect for constituted authority and undermines military professionalism.
He said, “the Minister must be adequately protected from such overzealousness as he carries out his assignments with the passion and energy known to him.”
PANDEF also faulted the alleged involvement of a retired service chief who was said to have issued instructions leading to the confrontation. Igali noted that such conduct, if confirmed, shows a disregard for the limits of military authority.
The chairman added, “Chief Wike, without doubt one of the standout Ministers in this administration, deserves far more respect and decorum.”
He further called on the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to issue what he described as an “unconditional apology,” stressing that the officer involved was likely acting under orders far outside the Navy’s constitutional duties.
Igali also cautioned against the use of junior military personnel for private or unofficial functions, saying such practices expose them to public embarrassment and compromise their professional responsibilities.
PANDEF’s latest position adds to the widening national conversation over the clash, which has drawn comments from political leaders, civil society figures and security analysts.
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