CHRICED slams FCT Minister for disgraceful treatment of Military officer, demands immediate sack

Stanley Ihedigbo

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) strongly condemns the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a uniformed military officer during a land enforcement exercise in Abuja.

According to the Executive Director, CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the incident, which has gone viral and sparked widespread outrage, is not only a national embarrassment but a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic ethos and institutional integrity.

CHRICED is appalled by the Minister’s reckless display of arrogance, verbal abuse, and blatant disregard for the dignity of a serving military officer. In a country grappling with insecurity and institutional decay, such conduct by a high-ranking public official is unacceptable and deeply troubling.

The Minister’s actions, captured in widely circulated footage, reflect a disturbing pattern of impunity and abuse of power that undermines the rule of law and the morale of our armed forces.

They align with the concerns raised by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), who rightly described the Minister’s behavior as a “clear and present danger to national security.”

The military, as a disciplined institution, must not be subjected to public humiliation by political office holders who mistake authority for tyranny.

The officer in question, by maintaining composure and professionalism in the face of provocation, demonstrated the very values of restraint and discipline that our leaders should emulate.

CHRICED reiterated that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law. The Minister’s attempt to assert dominance through insults and threats is a gross violation of the principles of democratic governance and civil-military relations.

It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to restore decorum, accountability, and humility in public office.

They therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action by relieving Barrister Nyesom Wike of his duties as Minister of the FCT.

The President must demonstrate that his administration stands for discipline, respect for institutions, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic values.

The question now is whether President Tinubu will summon the courage to do what is necessary — to rise above political loyalties and act in the national interest.

CHRICED also urged the National Assembly, civil society, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this abuse of power. Silence in the face of such impunity is complicity.

Nigeria deserves leaders who lead with integrity, not those who degrade the offices they occupy.