The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has applauded the firm and committed leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
While x-raying the incident involving Wike and a young Naval officer acting on the instruction of a retired Chief of Naval Staff over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja, MOSIEND said the action of the minister was not a reflection of arrogance but a decisive and courageous move to restore order in the FCT.
The President of MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo West, in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the weekend, said Wike acted within the full scope of his official authority as the minister of FCT.
West said: “While several social media commentators have attempted to twist the narrative to portray the Honourable Minister as overbearing, MOSIEND wishes to state categorically that Chief Wike acted within the full scope of his official authority as Minister of the FCT, whose constitutional duty includes the protection of all Federal Capital Territory assets and the enforcement of regulations governing land administration in Abuja.
“Chief Wike’s action reflects not arrogance, but firm leadership and commitment to restoring order, transparency, and accountability in the management of the FCT. Those who may not be comfortable with his assertive style should separate personal sentiments from the principle of lawful governance. The law must always take precedence over emotion or influence”.
West said it was rather disturbing that a serving Naval officer, Lt. Yarima, was deployed to guard or protect a disputed private property allegedly linked to a retired senior military officer.
“This raises serious administrative and ethical questions about the misuse of military personnel trained and paid by taxpayers to serve the private interest of retired individuals. Such acts amount to an abuse of military privilege and an affront to civil authority”, he said.
Insisting that the country operates under a constitutional democracy and not military rule, West said no retired officer, irrespective of past rank or influence, had the right to deploy serving military personnel for personal or commercial purposes.
He said the best approach would have been for the retired officer to formally approach the FCT Administration for clarification and due process if there were ownership concerns and not to engage military personnel in civil disputes.
West said: “It is also important to underscore that the disputed property in question belongs to the Federal Capital Territory, and as the chief administrator, Chief Nyesom Wike has every legal right and responsibility to visit, inspect, and take necessary actions where government property is being encroached upon.
” Attempting to obstruct or intimidate him in the discharge of this duty is a direct challenge to the authority of the Federal Government. MOSIEND holds the Nigerian Armed Forces in the highest esteem and recognizes their sacrifices in defending our nation.
“But we caution against any recurrence of military interference in civil governance matters, as this sets a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. The loyalty of every serving officer must remain to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, not to retired officers or private individuals”.
West called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military high command to investigate the alleged misuse of Naval personnel for private assignments and ensure that disciplinary measures were applied to deter future occurrences.
“Upholding discipline within the ranks is essential for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of our Armed Forces. Nigeria must move forward as a nation guided by the rule of law, respect for civil authority, and due process in governance”, he said.
