The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has faulted the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima, describing it as “unnecessary and avoidable.”
The confrontation, which occurred on Tuesday at a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over ownership. The property was said to be under the guard of armed naval officers acting on the directive of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd).
Video clips that surfaced online showed an enraged Wike confronting the officer, accusing the retired naval chief of illegally taking over the land.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle criticised Wike’s approach, noting that the issue should have been handled through official communication channels rather than a public confrontation.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. The officer explained that he was simply obeying orders. Wike should not have engaged him in an argument but should have raised the matter through the appropriate superior officers,” the minister stated.
Matawalle revealed that Wike had earlier contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who advised him to allow an investigation before taking any action.
He commended Lieutenant Yerima for maintaining professionalism and discipline during the encounter, stressing that the officer “acted lawfully, in obedience to superior orders, and showed respect throughout.”
“The officer committed no offence under military regulations. He was doing his duty as instructed and conducted himself properly,” Matawalle added.
The minister further cautioned public officials against disrespecting uniformed personnel, noting that such actions undermine the authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“Disrespecting a soldier in uniform is indirectly disrespecting the President. There is no justification for any punishment against the officer in this matter,” he said.
Matawalle clarified that his comments were not an endorsement of military overreach but a reminder that due process and the chain of command must always be respected.
He disclosed that despite not receiving a formal complaint from Wike, he personally reached out to the FCT Minister after the incident went viral.
“I called him and advised that he should have consulted the Ministry of Defence before going to the site. Such matters should be resolved administratively, not through confrontation,” Matawalle said.
He confirmed that the Chief of Naval Staff has since visited the disputed site to commence a formal investigation into the ownership of the land.
“The matter will be properly investigated to determine who holds the legitimate documents to the property,” Matawalle assured.
He concluded by emphasizing that if any revocation of the land is required, it should be done through “proper administrative and diplomatic procedures rather than public altercations.”
