Wike’s Action Against Military Officer Threatens National Security — Ex-Army Chief Buratai
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has described the confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a Nigerian Navy officer in Abuja as “a clear and present danger to national security” and called for urgent corrective action.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Buratai said Wike’s conduct “transcends mere misconduct” and “undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and the integrity of the Armed Forces.”
The clash reportedly occurred at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, over a land dispute linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. Wike, accompanied by officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority, had gone to halt what he described as “illegal construction” when he confronted the naval officer allegedly supervising the property.
In a viral video of the incident, Wike was heard saying, “You are in uniform, and you’re telling me that the Navy owns this land? Who gave you the right to build without approval? Even if you are the Chief of Naval Staff, the law must be respected.”
The officer replied that the property belonged to a former service chief and that the military was authorised to protect it.
Buratai said the minister’s public rebuke of a uniformed officer was “a reckless act that strikes at the core of Nigeria’s command and control structure.”
He added, “A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform is an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the very foundation of our national security apparatus. It is not political theatre—it is a reckless endangerment of national order.
“This action by Wike is clearly an indication of undermining the Federal Government’s authority. It disrespects the Commander-in-Chief and wounds the morale of every officer who serves under the Nigerian flag.”
Buratai urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the matter as a national security concern, saying, “Barrister Nyesom Wike must tender an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief, to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and to the specific officer whose honour was violated. The integrity of our Armed Forces demands nothing less. Our nation’s security must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
