Wike’s Outburst Against Soldier: A Threat to National Security and Civil Discipline -By Yasir Shehu Adam

Nigeria witnessed an unfortunate scene on Tuesday — one that struck at the heart of national discipline and respect for authority. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was caught in a heated confrontation with a young military officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, at a disputed land site in Gaduwa, Abuja.

According to reports by Daily Trust, armed soldiers had prevented the Minister and his team from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from accessing the land allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.). What began as an official visit quickly turned into a public shouting match, with Wike seen insulting and berating the officer, calling him “a fool” and commanding him to “shut up.”

In a moment that shocked many Nigerians, the young officer maintained his composure and kept repeating, “I am acting on orders.”

Buratai’s Stern Warning

Former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), has since reacted strongly, describing Wike’s action as a grave threat to national security. In a statement released shortly after the incident, Buratai said that humiliating a soldier in uniform amounts to insulting the entire Nigerian Army and, by extension, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

> “The insult and humiliation that Wike gave to the soldier who was wearing the military uniform is a betrayal of national security. It is an act of disrespect to the nation and will cause a loss of the respect and honour of the military, which directly affects the country’s security,” Buratai stated.

He cautioned that the military uniform represents national sovereignty, discipline, and sacrifice — not an individual. Any attempt to ridicule it, he warned, is an attack on the very symbol of Nigeria’s unity and safety.

A Dangerous Message to the Nation

When a public official insults a uniformed officer, it sends a disturbing message that arrogance now outweighs respect in governance. It undermines the trust between civilians and the military and weakens the foundation of discipline upon which the nation stands.

Minister Wike’s anger, no matter the provocation, should never have translated into public humiliation of a soldier carrying out official duties. Leadership requires restraint, humility, and wisdom — not rage.

A Call for Apology

As a senior government official, Wike owes a duty to act as a role model. His position demands self-control and respect for all arms of government and security institutions. Therefore, it is only right that he publicly apologizes to Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, to the Nigerian Army, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief.

Such an apology would not be a sign of weakness, but a mark of leadership and statesmanship. It would heal the moral injury caused to the nation’s military and reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law.

Respect Builds Nations
Nigeria is already struggling with insecurity, economic hardship, and a fragile sense of unity. At such a time, public officials should build bridges — not burn them with reckless words. The military deserves our collective respect; it remains the shield that protects the same democracy in which politicians serve.

The confrontation at Gaduwa was not just between Wike and a soldier. It was between ego and discipline, power and principle, anger and restraint. And in that moment, it was the soldier — not the minister — who upheld honour.

Minister Wike must rise above pride and do the right thing: apologize, reflect, and restore public trust.
Only then can he truly be called a leader who respects the institutions that keep Nigeria strong.

May God bless the Nigerian Army, protect our leaders, and keep our country in peace. Amen.

This Article Was Written By Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Young journalist and writer from Bauchi.