Author: The Nation

The National Coalition for Democratic Integrity (NCDI) has called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the conduct of Lt. A. M. Yerima toward the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike during the week and explained why  Yerima should  tender an unreserved apology to Wike.

In a statement signed by the President, Chief Kiki Kiki, the NCDI noted that the conduct of Lt. Yerima in obstructing the Honourable Minister and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Authority from performing their official duties, under the guise of ‘obeying superior orders,’ was not only a direct affront to the principles of civilian oversight and constitutional order on which our democracy relies but also undermines the fundamental values of discipline and respect that define the military profession.

“It is rather unfortunate that while patriotic and dedicated officers of the Nigerian armed forces are doing their best to combat insurgency, violent crimes, oil bunkering, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters, Officer Yerima is in Abuja “obeying orders” and protecting the “territories” of his master.” Such conduct,  if left unchecked, risks sending the wrong signal to the public and to the rank and file within the security services—that insubordination and contempt for civil authority can be tolerated. That would set a dangerous precedent.

“We must be unequivocal in condemning the deplorable and utterly unacceptable conduct of Officer Yerima against the FCT Minister. No individual in uniform or in public office is above the law or beyond accountability. The dignity of civilian leadership must be respected, not as a matter of ego, but as a safeguard for the order and stability of our democracy.”

Continuing, it said: ‘’It should be noted that the military, as an institution of honour, service, and loyalty, derives its authority from the Constitution and exists to serve—not to challenge or undermine—civil leadership. No act of insubordination or discourtesy towards a civilian authority can ever be justified or tolerated.

“We hold the military in the highest regard as a noble and respected national institution that is serving our nation with distinction. It is proper to underscore that such conduct from an officer in uniform represents a serious breach of discipline and professionalism.”

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The coalition  therefore urged the leadership of the armed forces, particularly the high command of the Nigerian Navy, to take this incident seriously, investigate it thoroughly, and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are applied in accordance with established procedures. “Equally important is the need to reinforce continuous education and orientation on civil–military relations, professionalism, and the constitutional boundaries that define them.

“Meanwhile, we commend elites and leaders across the country who have chosen restraint and due process in dealing with this matter. However, it is a shame that certain political jobbers and their sycophantic followers have, as usual, turned the ugly incident into another opportunity to display their biased attitudes. Celebrating the reprehensible behaviour of the junior Naval officer merely because they dislike Nyesom Wike or hold different political views from him is equally juvenile and utterly contemptible.

“We also wish to express deep concern over the quite unfortunate comments made by some retired generals and the purported remarks by the Ministers of Defence regarding the incident.”

The statement added: “However, a much more troubling aspect of the young Naval officer’s conduct is that it raises a significant question. We wonder whether, if Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike were someone from the northern region, Officer Yerima would have behaved in the same way.

“It may be necessary to recall that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister in 2023, certain Northern elements—recognised promoters of parochialism and acrimony, based on unfounded predispositions—called for the removal of Chief Nyesom Wike, who is only the second person of Southern origin to be appointed substantive minister of the Federal Capital Territory since its establishment forty-seven years ago.

Ultimately, a nation that tolerates disdain for its civilian institutions risks weakening the very foundation of its democracy. Therefore, this issue must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and transparency.”

Accordingly, the coalition calls for: “a prompt and impartial investigation into the officer’s conduct; appropriate disciplinary measures consistent with military ethics, protocols, and professionalism; institutional reinforcement of civil–military etiquette to prevent a recurrence; a public apology by Lt. Yerima and those whose orders he was purportedly obeying to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Capital Administration.Anything other than the above would be quite unfortunate.

We remind all stakeholders that discipline without respect is tyranny, and authority without accountability leads to instability. Our democracy must never surrender to arrogance or abuse of power, whether in uniform or out of it.”

The Coalition said it is  firmly in  solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as all public officials who uphold civility and respect in serving our nation.

“We urge the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to stay focused and not be distracted by the incident, but to remain committed and steadfast, working collaboratively with all sectors of government and security agencies to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people and residents of the Federal Capital Territory, in line with the mandate of Mr. President.”