The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged the Nigerian Navy to issue an unreserved apology to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following Tuesday’s confrontation between the minister and a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, in Abuja.
National Chairman of PANDEF, Dr. Boladei Igali, made the call on Thursday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The altercation occurred during Wike’s inspection visit to a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa District of the FCT. A video of the exchange, which has since gone viral, shows the minister and the officer in a heated argument over the ownership and control of the property.
According to PANDEF, the officer’s conduct was inappropriate and amounted to insubordination against a serving minister who represents President Bola Tinubu in all FCT-related matters.
Dr. Igali condemned what he described as an “improper and provocative act” by a junior naval officer reportedly acting under the instruction of a retired Chief of Naval Staff. He argued that the incident demonstrated a lack of respect for constituted civil authority.
“Chief Wike, without doubt, one of the best-performing ministers in this administration, deserves to be treated with much more respect and decorum,” Igali stated.
He further described the officer’s behaviour as “an affront to the minister and a show of disdain for the office of the President,” noting that the FCT Minister exercises executive powers delegated by the President.
“The leadership of the Nigerian Navy must tender an unconditional apology on behalf of its former head and the young officer involved in this unfortunate spectacle,” Igali added. “Using junior military personnel for non-military duties such as guarding personal lands is unacceptable and must be stopped.”
The PANDEF chairman also urged President Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into the incident to maintain professionalism within the armed forces and uphold respect for civilian authority.
“This will help reinforce discipline in the military and strengthen democratic governance where the rule of law prevails,” he said.
Igali stressed that the office and person of the FCT Minister should be protected from undue harassment or interference, particularly as he continues to carry out his duties with commitment and zeal.
