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Wike, Yerima; clash of values and authority
- By Oseloka H. Obaze
Two wrongs never make a right. When two people stridently but wrongly assert their rights over an issue, something is systemically wrong. That was the circumstance surrounding the recent Wike-Yerima standoff that has become the greatest content asset for social media lampooners. But this is a very serious matter relating to military-civilian relations in Nigeria. For starters, Wike and Yerima took the already fraught military-civilian relations to a whole new subterranean level.

One of the greatest ills bedevilling good governance in Nigeria is the use of the military for purely civilian police duties in a democracy. Soldiers by orientation are not good policemen. It’s not their orientation. It is not their training. As such they should not be. Yet, because of the military’s long sojourn in Nigeria’s leadership politics, certain traits imbued on the psyche of Nigerians continue to reflect the negative influence of military anti-politics.

The recent shameful public altercation between Nyesom Wike, the Abuja FCT Minister and a young naval officer, Lt. AM Yerima, speaks to and epitomizes the prevailing crises of our national clash of values and lack of respect for constituted authority. Those, who like Wike, who occupy high public offices, have unwittingly contributed to the crisis, often by their conduct and their utterances. Some may say minister Wike deserved his comeuppance. That’s debatable. But a minister berating a uniformed military officer, as “a fool” and a “small boy,” lends credence to how deep-seated the crisis has become.   It speaks also to the dearth of patriotism in Nigeria.

Read Also: Why Nigerians should support Tinubu, by Ndume

The now viral altercation presented a Catch-22 situation. Heads both parties lose; tails, both parties lose. Both Wike and Lt. Yerima, represent by their official positions, constituted authority.   Yet, they both cancelled each other’s prerogative, and shamelessly so.   Today, political leaders take full delight in legitimizing the militarization of our politics. They have police and military officers guarding them and standing or sitting behind them at public events. Our civilian leaders all covet having ADCs; a purely military culture. Incidentally, had officer Yerima been assigned as part of the Minister Wike’s security detail, -such assignments which happen frequently- he would have executed Wike’s orders the very way he executed the orders of his principal; reportedly a retired three-star military officer. That’s the irony that was lost on Wike, and his cloistered civilian mind-set. It’s worth recalling that in July 2020, Governor Wike used his security details to rescue embattled former NDDC managing director Joy Nnuieh from a supposed house confinement. If the truth be told; soldiers are meant to obey the last command. They follow orders. Moreover, due process in enforcing a purely civic matter, required modalities other than the one deploy routinely by the FCT Minister.

Here is the sad paradox of that altercation. In a democracy, the military is statutorily supposed to be subservient to civilian authority. That respect derives operationally, from the commander-in-chief to his alter egos. It matters little, if the official is elected or appointed. Then again, in the order of protocol and official precedence, a minister ranks about the same as a military general.   Interestingly, well before Wike became the FCT minister, four of his predecessors as ministers of the FCT, were soldiers; Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, AVM Hamza Abdullahi, Gen. Gado Nasko and Gen. Jeremaih Timbut Useni.   Now, would young Lt. Yerima, have responded the same way to them in a similar circumstance? I think not.   What this says is that our military has this mind-set that every non-military Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is a “bloody civilian.”   Someone forgot to remind Wike of that reality.

Relatedly, an incident that happened in the late 1980s that is worth recalling, illustrates how our values and respect for constituted authority has been egregiously eroded. During President Ibrahim Babangida’s rule, late Ambassador George Dove-Edwin, one of Nigeria’s most astute and highly respected diplomats, was the High Commissioner in London. Prior to that assignment he had served as Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Ministry. At that time, late AVM Hamza Abdullahi, an air force general, was the FCT Minister, a member of the ruling military council and as a very close ally of President Babangida, belonged to his close-knit kitchen cabinet.

AVM Abdullahi had travelled to Germany and was returning to Nigeria via London. The High Commission was duly informed of his transit so as to facilitate his transfer after his short layover in London. When High Commissioner Dove Edwin was informed that the FCT Minister would be passing through, he had indicated that he intended to personally go to the airport, and await the Minister’s arrival at the Heathrow Airport protocol lounge. His plan to spend the transit time with the minister was not out of obligation, but as a matter of courtesy and diligence.

On the appointed day, several hours before Dove-Edwin was to go to the airport, he was summoned to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) at Whitehall. Realizing that he might not make it to the airport on time, Dove-Edwin dispatched his Deputy Chief of Protocol to the airport to receive the minister and hold fort until he arrived, just in case he was delayed. He went a step further. He sent a personal handwritten note to the FCT Minister explaining his predicament. The Deputy-Chief of Protocol received Minister Abdullahi, handed over the High Commissioner’s personal note, and reassured him that the High Commissioner would definitely arrive before his departure for Nigeria. AVM Abdullahi was visibly displeased; and made that known in very clear terms.

When Dove-Edwin eventually arrived, and was already tendering his apologies as he entered the Protocol Lounge, an irate Minister Abdullahi publicly berated him, using expletives, despite the presence of other high ranking foreign dignitaries in the lounge. His grouse; he did not understand what was so important at the Foreign Office to warrant the High Commissioner not being on hand to receive him. His ultimate faux pas was when he said; “We sent you here at great expense to serve us.”   It was not clear if the “us” was Nigeria, or Nigeria’s top military brass. A totally stunned Dove-Edwin, though a civilian, stood erect, almost at attention, looked straight at the minister, and said, “Honourable Minister, your language is most unbecoming and unacceptable. Have a good afternoon.” He turned around and left.

The postscript to that saga is that Amb. Dove-Edwin reported the incidence in a dispatch to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with copy to the Chief of General Staff (CGS). One point vehemently made in the demarche, was that traditionally, ambassadors when at post, were only obligated to be present at the airport, when the Head of State, his Deputy or the Foreign Minister visited. Any such presence, for other senior government officials, was simply, a matter of courtesy- a privilege, not a right. The upshot is that Dove-Edwin was never queried and never sanctioned, even as some might have deemed his conduct insubordination. The flip side is that the minister’s conduct reflected a clash of values that also ridiculed constituted authority: his, and that of the High Commissioner. In Nigeria, military-civilian relations are complex and fraught with imponderables. Even when soldiers retire from active duty, and don agbada or kaftan mufti, most generally treat civilians with visible disdain, whenever there is a civil disagreement. Officer Yerima exemplified that mind-set. Also, in Nigeria, soldiers don’t submit to civilian police authority. That’s a fact.

The interface between Minister Wike and Lt. Yerima would have ended well, if Wike instead of publicly berating the officer had simply and civilly asked to speak to his principal or commanding officer. That could have been done, without acrimony. No one appointed the FCT minister a law enforcement police officer or bailiff. Wike should have also recognized and respected the officer’s obligation to carry out his orders by a constituted authority. A proper and courteous interface would have also affirmed the minister’s legitimate position and authority as someone, who was also carrying out his statutory duties at the behest of the commander-in-chief, without the engagement becoming vexatious.

The Wike-Yerima face off, is a daily occurrence in Nigeria. What happens at military checkpoints across Nigeria is even more appalling. The only difference is that this incident involved a well-known public official, whom most Nigerians already consider obtuse and very controversial.   But it was not just Wike that the soldier disrespected; it was the commander-in-chief, who appointed him and the senate that confirmed him. Likewise, it was not only Yerima that Wike called a “small boy” and “a fool”. Indeed, it was the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Wike abused.

Even though it is well and good that Lt. Yerima stood his grounds, some of his military superiors know too well that his conduct, despite being polite to Wike, perceptibly did not enhance military-civilian relations. Often, perception is worse than reality. The messaging was visibly conflictual and condescending. If a junior officer can publicly do that to a serving minister, what then, can they do to the common man? And on the flip side, can a junior civil servant do same to a serving or retired military general without agonizing reprisals? I think not!

Beyond right and wrong, the Wike-Yerima episode raises more questions than answers. One can only hope that this saga will prompt the urgent rethink and redress of deploying military officers to enforce law and order tasks that are within the statutory remit of the Nigerian police.

•Obaze is MD/CEO, Selonnes Consult – a policy, governance and management consulting firm in Awka.
November 18, 2025
Wike loyalists convene PDP NEC, BoT meetings as battle for party control intensifies

In a major struggle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the faction led by Muhammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has summoned meetings of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) for Tuesday.

A top party source told The Nation that the primary agenda is to conduct a legal review aimed at nullifying last weekend’s gathering in Ibadan, which a group of PDP members claimed was a national convention.

In an internal notice titled “Invitation to Emergency 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting”, National Secretary Senator Anyanwu announced that the BoT will meet at 11 am at the NEC Hall, followed by the NEC at 2 pm.

The development has placed PDP governors and other stakeholders opposed to the Wike/Anyanwu camp in a tight position.

Attending the meetings could further legitimise the faction, which currently holds the legal advantage.

Staying away, however, might allow the group to take strategic decisions that could undermine their interests.

READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

Some governors and party leaders may also struggle to completely detach from the Wike camp. Supporters noted that figures like Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri still remember how Wike robustly backed him when a former Vice President nearly delivered victory to an APC candidate during his last election.

Insiders revealed that the Wike faction has already compiled a list showing that more than half of the BoT members under former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have overstayed their constitutionally allowed five-year tenure. This, they argue, weakens the legitimacy of the rival camp.

The faction is also confident of commanding support from over two-thirds of PDP state chapters, including the entire South-East, South-South, large parts of the North-Central, North-West, North-East, and sections of the South-West. In Osun, for instance, some party figures believe the ongoing feud with Wike could threaten the state governor’s re-election prospects if unresolved.

The Kebbi State chapter has already demonstrated resistance to the rival faction by rejecting the nomination of former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and boycotting the Ibadan convention where he was declared leader.

Expectations that Turaki would visit the locked Wadata Plaza national headquarters in Abuja on Monday were dashed, as he did not appear during the period The Nation monitored the premises.

A federal lawmaker aligned with the Wike faction said they remain open to reconciliation efforts by party elders, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

However, he stressed that the group is also prepared to proceed with organising a legally grounded national convention if necessary.

“Eminent stakeholders on our side explicitly made it clear that we are prepared to have reconciliation and share positions so that neither side would feel alienated, but if those people continue stumbling from one legal disaster into another, if necessary, we are prepared to go ahead and set in motion a machinery towards a proper convention.

“Note that the last PDP NEC meeting directed that some steps should be taken in various zones, and the expectation was that another NEC would be convened before we have a national convention, but for reasons best known to them, some people opted to go for the Ibadan jamboree that cannot even stand on one leg,” he said.

Increasingly confident about prospects of winning more members from the PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which commissioned its new national headquarters in Abuja on Monday is already making arrangements to benefit from PDP current situation.

According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi who responded to a Whatsapp message from The Nation on Monday, ADC is out to mobilize Nigerians across all spectrums of the society who share in its ideals and plans for Nigeria’s future.

“Of course, politics is a game of numbers; ADC will welcome anybody into the party, provided they are willing to subscribe to our philosophy and principles.

“As we have said repeatedly, we are not out to just grab power but to reset politics in Nigeria as a vocation of service and sacrifice,” he stated.

November 17, 2025
JUST IN: Wike backed PDP-faction summons emergency BoT, NEC meeting

The FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting following the suspension of key party members during the National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP during the Ibadan National Convention expelled Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Ayo Fayose, Austin Nwachukwu, and others for Anti-Party Activities.

In a notice by Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of the Wike-backed faction, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) are invited to an emergency meeting scheduled for Tuesday at the PDP National Secretariat at the Wadata Plaza in Abuja.

The statement reads: “The members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BOT) are hereby invited to an emergency meeting of NEC & BOT scheduled as follows:

Read Also: PDP govs split over expulsion of Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others

“Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

“Venue: NEC Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja

“Time: For BOT: 11:a.m. and NEC: 02:00 p.m.

“Attendance is very important as crucial matters will be discussed and addressed,” the statement concluded.

The Nation previously reported that the Umar Damagun-led Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has expelled Wike; former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose and eight others over alleged anti-party activities.

November 17, 2025
Wike, Buratai and FCT land controversy

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, stirred up a hornets’ nest again last Tuesday in Abuja when he exchanged acrimonious words with a naval lieutenant standing sentry at a piece of land reportedly owned by former Naval chief Awwal Zubairu Gambo. Like the first batch of FCT officials sent to inspect the land but was barred, Mr Wike himself was also barred from gaining access to the property. The unseemly exchange between Mr Wike and the lieutenant, AM Yerima, has since become the butt of jokes on the internet and various social media platforms. The legal and ethical issues surrounding the bitter exchange are well known. But the consensus is that while the lieutenant and the presumed landowner might be wrong, and probably abridged due process in acquiring the land and keeping possession against the law, the minister himself had a duty to rein in his temper and speak civilly to the officer, and indeed not just to the military officer but to any landowner in line with the law governing land rights. It is, therefore, no use beating this dead horse.

The problem, however, are the optics emanating from the Abuja land controversy. Former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, a retired lieutenant-general never once acclaimed for a cerebral take on civil-military issues, posted a short piece on social media demanding an apology from Mr Wike for insulting a soldier in uniform. To him, nothing else mattered, not even the casual ‘on the other hand’ of asking a question about the sense of deploying a naval lieutenant to guard a landed property belonging to a retired military officer. Believing that Mr Wike’s temperamental approach trumped every other thing and constituted a threat to national security, he wrote: “Mr Wike’s public disparagement of a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces transcends mere misconduct; it represents a palpable threat to national security and institutional integrity. A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the core of our nation’s command and control structure. It deliberately undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and grievously wounds the morale of every individual who serves under the Nigerian flag. Such actions erode the very foundation of discipline upon which our national security apparatus stands.”

What bothered the former army chief was, however, not national security, for it is not clear how he managed to conflate the bad-tempered exchange between the minister and a naval officer as a danger to national security. What actually riles him is that he believes a soldier in uniform is superior to every other person, even if that soldier is acting unlawfully. He has conjured a myth in his mind about the superiority of the soldier in uniform and he feels injured by any civilian challenging it. The former army chief, and others like him who have spoken in similar vein, have managed to create a class structure that puts the soldier ahead of every other person. Had Gen. Buratai limited his comment to pointing out the rules and regulations, even laws, he believed Mr Wike violated, his contribution would have been considered informative, seasoned and dispassionate. But he exceeded himself, as he often does.

Read Also: Wike, Yerima face-off: We owe Gambo nothing but gratitude

Retired and serving military officers who have commented on the matter have tried to make the exchange between the FCT minister and naval officer strictly one of a civilian minister speaking disrespectfully to a serving officer. But it goes far beyond that. Firstly, the exchange was just a symptom of all that has gone wrong with Nigeria, not the disease, nor the main issue. The exchange harks back to the unmanageable and increasingly painful history of civil-military relations in Nigeria, one whose roots are traceable to the colonial period. The colonialists, not to talk of more than 30 years of military rule, enthroned a culture that elevateed the soldier above everyone else, bastardised institutions, weakened laws, and turned the constitution into an ephemeral object. But it is a culture of often unearned privileges that is both difficult to embrace and sustain, not to talk of root out; a culture that explained but could not justify the brutality of military governments and their contemptuous disregard for the rule of law. Unlike Defence minister of state, Bello Matawalle, who came down unthinkingly in favour of the officer, Defence minister Mohammed Badaru caveated his support for the officer by suggesting that “Any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly. He is doing his job, and doing it greatly well.” The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reportedly admonished civil authorities to respect military officers on duty. But what duty, and what lawful order? Guarding a landed property? Was that a security establishment, or was the land a component of national security? The controversy may have in fact inadvertently unearthed decades of privileges enjoyed by retired military officers, which generals like Buratai are anxious to protect. The purported owner of the property, a retired naval chief, was undoubtedly aware of the controversy swirling around the property; that may be the reason he got the armed sentries deployed in that location.

Secondly, Nigeria’s security agencies have become hopelessly inefficient in the deployment of service personnel. The police deploy thousands of their men in sentry duties and protection of very important persons, but continue to insist they need more men. The system has repeatedly obliged them without auditing the men they already have or asking how they are deployed. Of course, the police personnel will never be enough; it is a bottomless pit. In the same fashion, too many military personnel are either posted to police duties all over the country or deployed in guard duties for the generals, sometimes in shocking numbers. In the midst of war in at least four regions of the country, the military could afford to post a number of its men led by a special forces naval lieutenant to protect a piece of land against the rules and regulations of the FCT land administration, and against the law. How this atrocious anomaly does not unnerve the military, and how officers who have sided with the young and intrepid lieutenant in the controversy do not appear to care what other countries think of how Nigeria deploys its service personnel, is beyond comprehension. It is clear that senior military officers have cheapened their men, cheapened the service, and have little understanding of how a people’s army should be constituted. It is truly disturbing that some senior military officers are unbothered by the humiliation and paradox of a naval officer guarding a plot of land owned by a retired officer.

In May 2024, soldiers shut down Banex Plaza, a shopping complex located at Wuse 2 in Abuja, over a dispute with traders alleged to have sold a defective phone to a soldier. The soldiers complained that in the process of sorting out the misunderstanding they were manhandled by some traders and hoodlums. The plaza was not opened until the police acting in concert with the Department of State Service (DSS) inspired a peace deal that eventually led to the apprehension of two persons. The apprehended men were not handed over to the police but to the military in violation of the laws of the land. What was remarkable about the Banex Plaza illegality was the justification provided by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor. Insisting that it was unacceptable to attack a soldier, he said: “This applies to any uniformed person for as long as he is an agent of the state. An attack on him is an attack on the state, so any Nigerian of goodwill must condemn such an act. For me, I join to support the closure of Banex Plaza for as long as it takes to have anyone responsible for that dastardly act brought to justice. This is because if we fail to do so, we will be calling for anarchy. The only men who are sacrificing their lives to ensure our collective good are members of the armed forces, the police, and other security agencies.”

This is specious reasoning at its worst. It shows how pervasive the appalling idea of subordinating the constitution to the military has become among military men and some civilians. Perhaps they should be made to reflect on the story of countries which have become failed states because the law and constitution were held in contempt by the powerful.

It did not occur to the former CDS that no one, no matter how highly placed or armed, should ever resort to self-help. Not only was the plaza shut down for a week without a court order or even the involvement of the police legally and constitutionally empowered to handle such matters, the shop at the centre of the fracas was kept shut until two men were apprehended. It is, therefore, not surprising that naval personnel barricaded a landed property in flagrant violation of the law, and all some retired generals could point at was Mr Wike’s incivility. What of the law itself? And what of the propriety of spurning the procurement of the right documentation for the property? And what of the global image of Nigeria? Gen. Irabor has of course weighed in again on the Abuja land controversy dispute by justifying his unhelpful view of the imperious manner the military responds to civil matters. Clearly, Nigeria does not appear to have the ambition of building a world-class military, but a military of privileges, rank and false heroism.

Mr Wike is not loved by a record number of Nigerians despite his performance and record as a governor and minister. He is sometimes acerbic and unorthodox, his methods often rankling very badly. But he was more right on the land issue than the naval officer. This matter will, from all indications, blow over because it is really just so much silly sound and fury signifying nothing. But Mr Wike must now be aware that even if an official is right, the redress must be carried out in such a way that it does not compromise the integrity of his case. More importantly, the FCT minister must have suspected that he is hated more for his support for President Bola Tinubu than for his short fuse. They see him as the man at the centre of weakening the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the man whose political manoeuvres significantly impacted the 2023 presidential poll. In addition, his efforts to sanitise the Abuja master plan is unlikely to win him friends in a country and capital city where impunity has become second nature, and where military men and security agents all pull rank on anyone not in uniform. He, therefore, has a duty to think twice, in spite of himself, before he talks and acts, knowing full well that whatever he does will be used against him, the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC). This curious animosity will get worse as the APC continues to outmanoeuvre the opposition and try to make the 2027 polls a foregone conclusion.

November 16, 2025
PDP govs split over expulsion of Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others
- Faction dissolves PDP structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers
- Tanimu Turaki elected unopposed as national chairman
- INEC, Saraki, Adeleke, Kefas, Fubara, absent
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to have sunk deeper into crisis after the Damagum led faction made good its threat to proceed with the party’s National Convention in Ibadan yesterday.

The faction wielded the big stick, expelling Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, the party’s national secretary Samuel Anyanwu and its national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).

But two state governors elected on the platform of the party-Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) immediately dissociated themselves from the expulsion.

They said no one discussed the move with them, wondering how the expulsion would help the party.

Fayose was at the time of his expulsion yesterday celebrating his 65th birthday in Lagos.

Also axed were the PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Acting National Chairman of the Wike faction of the party, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Chairman of the faction’s newly inaugurated Board of Trustees (BoT) Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, George Turner, Abraham Amali and Dan Orbih.

Wike’s loyalists branded the development an early Christmas show.

Former Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki from Kebbi State, who had earlier been tipped for the position of National Chairman by the divided PDP Governors’ Forum, was elected unopposed.

He became the only aspirant, following the announcement that his co-aspirant, Senator Yakubu Lado from Katsina State, had stepped down.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not at the event, apparently in obedience to two rulings of the Federal High Court, Abuja to keep off.

Several prominent members of the party were also not in attendance.

Among them were former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

Saraki had warned that the convention would serve no purpose and declared that he would not be there.

Lamido had also said he would not be in attendance following alleged decision of the party to block him from purchasing nomination form for the position of national chairman.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday halted the convention and ordered that Lamido be accommodated in the election process.

Also absent yesterday were Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was said to be outside the country; Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Minority leader in the Senate Abba Moro and Minority leader in the House of Representatives Linda Chinda.

Besides the expulsion, the convention also dissolved the executives of the party in Rivers, Abia, Imo, Plateau and Enugu states, perceived to be in control of Wike’s supporters.

The motion for the expulsion was moved by former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, while host Governor Seyi Makinde moved for the dissolution of the state EXCOs.

George said that PDP members were bound by and must adhere to Section 40 of its Constitution as amended.

According to him, political parties are voluntary organisations and members may wish to join or not.

“These people above have committed various breaches of the constitution by holding parallel congresses, canvassing votes for other parties, and sponsoring litigations against the party, among others,” he said.

George said the actions and character of Wike and others had brought ridicule to the party.

The motion was unanimously supported by party members present at the convention.

They said the expulsion and dissolution order are in accordance with the Section 33 sub section 2 of the 2017 Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

Why I can’t align myself with Wike’s expulsion —Fintiri

In distancing himself from the expulsion of Wike and others yesterday, Governor Fintiri said the party development might worsen its internal tensions.

The governor in a statement on his verified X account @GovernorAUF last night said: “I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, from PDP.

“I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.

“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.

“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion. As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP.

“Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.”

Mutfwang too

Governor Mutfwang’s position was similar to Fintiri’s.

The governor in a statement through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, distanced himself from “the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose and Samuel Anyanwu alongside other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

He said the matter was “neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented.”

He insisted that the proposal did not reflect his position on the matter.

Governor Mutfwang further noted that expelling the party leaders at this crucial time was not a strategic step towards resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP. He reiterated the need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party.

Expulsion illegal, says Bature

One of the expelled men, Umar Bature faulted it.

“It’s for their village heads! The convention they claim to be having is illegal null and void,” he said in a short statement.

He was the PDP national organising secretary and a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said: “When people decide to start their own detty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths.

“They gathered in Ibadan to do a party, enjoy themselves and got intoxicated. They are free to say anything.”

Deputy National Youth Leader of the party and PDP NWC member, Timothy Osadolor, said: “Their claim about expelling these persons brings to mind a pertinent question: who is expelling whom? Is it the saboteurs that are now expelling those who are asking that things be done in a sane manner, in accordance with the constitution of the party?

“No matter how much you try to deodorize a foul-smelling item, it would still emit its true smell; and if you dress up a pig, it would still roll in the mud.

Read Also: Wike offers 5,000 households free cooking gas cylinder, six-month refill

“It is as clear as daylight, and I will say it repeatedly, that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ambitions that he has not disclosed to other governors and leaders of the party.

“Otherwise, he cannot claim to be unaware that what he is leading is leaning towards the doom of his presidential ambition—if he has one—and towards doom for the party as well.

“I have said it again and again that those governors and leaders being led by Governor Seyi Makinde should put on their thinking caps and face the reality that this party is splintered, bleeding, and in need of healing and reconciliation, which can only be done in a non-cantankerous atmosphere where there is sincerity.

“Let everybody acknowledge that they have erred against one another, and let everyone be truthful to ourselves.

“The issue of suspending and counter-suspending won’t help the PDP. The lifespan of the current NWC will expire on December 10, and this party will enter a stalemate where there won’t be a legitimate NWC or a legitimate Board of Trustees, or any organ to form a caretaker committee that can midwife the next national convention for the PDP.

“Therefore, I think it is not too late, and a proper convention can still be held by all stakeholders at an agreed date. Otherwise, this show of shame—where you have only seventeen states being accredited in Ibadan as against the 36 states and the FCT—represents enough embarrassment.

“Also, INEC has refused to fall for the shenanigans of those who organised the Ibadan early-Christmas party that is ongoing.

“INEC has done the needful by not being party to the early Christmas show that the Oyo State governor has put up for his friends in the PDP.

“However, I agree with the view that it is good if he can talk to those in his group so that when they come to Abuja on Monday morning, they can have the grace and clarity of mind to know what to put on the table before PDP leaders who are not party to the owambe going on in Ibadan this weekend.

“Clearly, they lack the locus, they lack the numbers, and they lack the capacity to do that which they have claimed (about suspending some party members); talk is cheap.”

A three term member of the House of Representatives and former member of PDP NEC, Hon Teejay Yusuf, however differed.

His words: “To me, there is something positive that they have achieved for the party; at least, now, everybody in Ibadan has seen banners of PDP and they know that PDP is alive and well.”

The expelled members were initially suspended for a month two weeks ago for alleged anti-party activities by the Damagum group.

The Wike group responded by suspending Damagum, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s spokesperson, Taofeek Arapaja, deputy national vice chairman (South), Daniel Woyenguikoro, national financial secretary, Sulaiman Kadade, national youth leader, and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national secretary.

The group named the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as acting national chairman.

How Damagum was confirmed as National Chair

The motion for the confirmation of Damagum as national chairman was moved by the

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of PDP, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi and seconded by Edward Marshal.

Aziegbemi said this was in accordance with the Section 32 of the Constitution of the PDP as amended.

Addressing the convention earlier, Governor Makinde and Damagum had called for calm among the delegates.

Damagum apologised to the gathering that the event started late.

He said it was an honor for the delegates to have travelled from far places all over Nigeria to be part of the convention, saying the decision shows their commitment to the party.

In his brief remarks Makinde said the convention would be remembered as one that brought about the party’s turnaround.

He also urged the delegates to take advantage of the visit to the state to have a feel of its cuisine and hospitality.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang moved the motion for the dissolution of the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) to give way for the election of new officers.

Present at the convention were Governors Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) , Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

Also there were former Governor of Plateau State Jonah Jang, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Chief Tom Ikimi, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senators Ahmed Ningi, Chief .Onikepo Oshodi, Deputy National Secretary of PDP Setonji Koshoedo, Chairman of the Damagum faction BoT, Chief Adolphus Wabara, Chief Ben Obi, Chief Segun Adegoke, Chief Omolade Oluwateru, Ladi Adebutu and Senator Natasha Akpoti.

The convention was held amid legal fireworks in courts up to the eve of the exercise.

While a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu halted the convention, based on the relief sought by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who claimed that he was excluded from the chairmanship context, an Oyo State High Court presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola extended the ex parte order given to the faction till December 8.

Another Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho had previously ruled that the convention should not be monitored or its outcome be recognised by INEC following the suit instituted by the Wike/Anyanwu faction that the preparations violated the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act.

There was tension midway into convention yesterday when the chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmadu Fintiri, said that he was handicapped due to the absence of INEC officials.

The Adamawa governor said: “In the absence of INEC, it is not within my purview to go on with the convention. It is up to the delegates to decide.”

However, Senator Ben Obi, secretary of the convention organising committee, moved a motion that the committee be empowered to proceed with the election by the consent of the delegates, who chorused “yes.”

After that, Obi said: “I hereby declare that we should hold the convention.”

Turaki’s candidacy: Kebbi PDP boycotts Ibadan national convention

The Kebbi State chapter of the PDP said it would not be part of the Ibadan convention.

The chapter’s Publicity Secretary, Sani Dododo, said the decision was on account of the candidacy of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The chapter questioned Turaki’s legitimacy as a party member, citing his alleged suspension in April 2023 for what it called gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and failure to pay party dues.

The suspension, issued by his Nasarawa 1 Ward, also affected seven other members, including former gubernatorial candidate Gen. Bello S. Yaki.

In a petition dated October 25, 2025, the Kebbi State PDP formally notified the chairman of the screening committee for the national convention of its rejection of Turaki’s nomination based on these issues.

The petition, jointly signed by Chairman Alhaji Usman Bello Suru and Secretary Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, included a list of signatures and phone numbers from both the state working committee and non-working committee members, all expressing their opposition to Turaki’s candidacy.

The Kebbi PDP chapter warned that anyone presenting themselves as a delegate from the state would be doing so without the party’s authorisation.

All delegates from Kebbi State reportedly stayed at home in protest.

BoT rejects own Reconciliation Committee report, rejects Caretaker Committee

The Board of Trustees of the Damagum faction yesterday disowned the report of the Reconciliation Committee it set up to find a lasting solution to crisis in the party

The BoT specifically rejected the committee’s recommendation that the convention be shelved .

It said the convention must proceed as planned and in line with the Supreme Court judgment that the affairs of political parties are their internet affairs.

According to him, the report of the six-man committee headed by Amb. Hassan Adamu has not been discussed and adopted by the board, and therefore cannot be taken as the official position of the BoT.

The statement: “The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby categorically dissociates and distances itself from the purported Report of the BoT Reconciliation Committee being circulated in some section of the media.

“The BoT states in clear terms that the content of the said Report is not and does not represent the official position of the Board. Having not been considered or adopted by the BoT, it cannot in any form or guise whatsoever be regarded as the position of the BoT.

“The BoT is unwavering in its endorsement of the conduct of the elective National Convention as scheduled on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State capital for the purpose of electing new set of leaders to pilot the affairs of the party in the next four years.

“This position is guided by the Judgment of the Supreme Court which reaffirmed the supremacy of a political party in the conduct of its internal affairs.

“In that regard, the BoT rejects any suggestion for a Caretaker Committee for the party. Such idea cannot be contemplated as the Board and, of course the PDP, have irreversibly decided for an elective National Convention which is within the scope of the internal affairs of the party to which the courts have no jurisdiction.

“The BoT therefore urges Party members to remain committed and focused on the success of the Elective National Convention.”

The latest implosion in the PDP is the second major of such development in the party’s history; the first being that of 2014 when such prominent members as former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Dr.Bukola Saraki, Mr.Rotimi Amaechi pulled out of the party.

The group known as N-PDP and led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje teamed up with the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC presidential candidate, the late General Muhammadu Buhari, went on to win the 2015 presidential election, defeating Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP.
November 16, 2025
Thoroughly absurd.
- Naval officer’s unruly conduct to FCT minister deserves stiff reprimand
The video showing a confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, and one naval Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, who was protecting a private property allegedly belonging to a former Chief of Naval Staff, impugns the authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is both the chief executive and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The minister had confronted the lieutenant for disrupting the enforcement of the land use allocation policy of the ministry, while the naval officer claimed to be under instruction to guard the land belonging to a former naval chief.

The minister, who serves at the pleasure of the president, is indeed the alter ego of the president in the Federal Capital Territory. To challenge him in the lawful performance of his duties amounts to challenging the authority of the president over the land use allocation laws in the FCT.

The crux of the dispute, which is the use to which land in Abuja can be put to, is within the purview of the minister, and it is within his powers to enforce the laws made pursuant to that power.

Where someone is making an illegal use of any land within the FCT, the minister in exercise of his powers has every right to stop any such abuse.

The information in the public domain is that the land is earmarked for parks and garden, and a private company which got approval based on that use had applied to the agencies of the ministry for change. While the application has been rejected, the company sold the land to the naval chief, who started development on the land.

Since his assumption of office, Mr Wike has shown determination to stop abuses associated with land use in the FCT, and that has amassed for him a lot of enemies. His style of not caring whose ox is gored in his restoration programme of Abuja master plan, has made his office a target of attacks by the high and mighty, who are mostly responsible for those abuses.

Even for those who may disagree with his combative style, no one can deny the fact that the minister has been very effective at his duty post.

‎For the young military officer, the first question should be what was he doing as a guard at a private property? If as he claimed in the video, he was sent there to guard the property; who sent him? If he was sent by a retired naval chief, does it fall within the remix of authority of the retired naval chief to have military officers guard his empty landed property? We wonder if the military has fallen into the challenges faced by the Nigeria Police, where officers are engaged in domestic services, while battle fronts are under-manned.

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‎As a military officer, the naval lieutenant should distinguish between regimental duties and private assignments. Resisting public servants engaged in their lawful duty amounts to acts capable of bringing the military to disrepute. Refusing to obey an unlawful order cannot be a ground for his superior to punish him, unless we now have a military of anything goes.

As an officer, he ought to know that while he has raw power, the minister has authority, which is superior.

The former naval chief who sent the young officer on a private duty should know that while guarding him, his family and residence, even after retirement may come within his earned privileges, guarding a disputed land cannot fall within his earned benefits, as a retired naval chief.

Such limitation with respect to the protection of the retired naval chief does not derogate from the honour, respect and gratitude the nation owes him for his long service to his fatherland.

The military chief must realise that while the nation holds him in the highest esteem for services rendered to the country, his privilege does not extend to sending a junior officer to engage in unlawful duty. If the naval chief was scammed to buy a land not meant for residential purposes, he should seek a refund from the fraudulent scammer, and not resort to raw power to normalise the anomalous situation.

Even with the most lethal force, he cannot grant himself title to the disputed land. He must resort to the legitimate issuing authority, which is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, acting for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which the young naval officer in his ignorance has insulted and restrained from engaging in his lawful duty.

The statement by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, that the military will defend a military officer engaged in lawful duty, is legitimate.

But, those who frame the statement to mean the young officer has been exculpated, should ask themselves whether he was on a lawful duty? We condemn the attempt by retired Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, to turn the logic of the matter on its head. He clearly has a hangover that the military is not subordinate to any civilian authority.

We demand for a detailed investigation of the imbroglio.
November 16, 2025
Wike offers 5,000 households free cooking gas cylinder, six-month refill

As the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commences full implementation of its ‘Breathe Clean Air Initiative’, over 5,000 households are set to benefit from it and also enjoy free gas cylinders with free refill of their cooking gas for six months.

This was made known on Saturday when the Safe Environment Renewable Project- Breath clean Air Abuja, was officially launched.

The Mandate secretary, FCTA, Health and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the focus of the program is not about sharing palliatives, but to address ignorance about the people’s environment and help women manage the home and health of their household better.

She noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has touched every area of human life with the aim of improving standards of living for all classes of people.

Fasawe stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has keyed into the visions of President Tinubu and has shown enough commitment towards making the FCT a better place for all.

She said; “the truth is, health is wealth. Health and environment are equal. So the focus of this program is not only to give out palliatives, as we’ve done in the past.

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“ The focus of this program is to address the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiatives. It’s to tell Nigerians that if only we can put our hands together, and not wait for governments alone, we can have a happy, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria. Because truly, with peace and prosperity Nigeria will be great again”.

Also the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, Babagena Adams, said the initiative was important, as it would help to end the stress that pregnant women pass through.

He said; “We’re also saving the pregnant women, along with the family. So if they live healthy, they’ll be more productive, and the GDP of FCT will increase. So a healthy community is a wealthy community, so that’s the benefit”.

Earlier in his speech, a partner of the initiative and the Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Darwish, said the initiative was designed to help stop mothers and the children from inhaling toxic gases that are injurious to their health.

He said some of the hazards that followed long use of fire wood, charcoals for cooking are lung cancer diseases among other lung related ailments.

According to him; “ the six month voucher distributed in addition to the cylinder would encourage the beneficiaries to sustain the usage of the gas cylinders.

“This program, in a nutshell and simple English, is about helping 5,000 mothers, sisters, and daughters by not inhaling toxic gases anymore, and by really making sure that their health is better by breathing fresh air. That’s in a nutshell”.

The executive vice President of HIS, Ayotade Oyinlola, who spoke on the impact of the initiative, said the distribution will significantly reduce family income spent on medical bills.

A consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist specialist, National Hospital Abuja, and Secretary Nigerian Cancer Society, FCT Chapter, Dr. Ayuba Usman, said the initiative is centred on health prevention, while considering lifestyle improvement.

Adding her voice, Daniela Omotola, who is one those spearheading the campaign, using Rotaract Clubs in Abuja, praised the project as a timely, life-changing intervention that will help reduce pollution-related illnesses and support a healthier FCT.

Stakeholders at the launch noted that as more households transition to cooking gas, the pressure on surrounding ecosystems including tree loss, soil degradation and rising temperatures is expected to decline over time.

The FCTA said the project is part of its broader strategy to promote environmental health, reduce pollution and create safer living conditions for residents of FCT in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

November 15, 2025
JUST IN: PDP’s faction expels Wike, Fayose, eight others

The Umar Damagun-led Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has expelled FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose and eight others over alleged anti-party activities.

Others expelled include: the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, George Turner, Abraham Amali and Dan Orbi

Also, the party has dissolved the executives of the party in Rivers, Abia, Imo, Plateau and Enugu States.

The motions to this effect were moved by.member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chief Bode George and Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde at the ongoing PDP Elective National Convention in Ibadan.

While George moved for the sack of the party chieftains, Makinde moved for the dissolution of the affected state excos.

They said the expulsion and dissolution order are in accordance with the Section 33 sub section 2 of the 2017 Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

November 15, 2025
MOSIEND hails Wike’s firm, committed leadership of FCT

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.

November 15, 2025
Why Yerima should apologise to Wike – NCDI

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.”

November 15, 2025