Prominent activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has strongly condemned the recent confrontation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and a military officer in Abuja's Gaduwa area. The heated exchange, which occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread public debate.
Military Priorities Questioned
In his reaction posted on his official X account, Sowore criticized the Nigerian military for what he described as misplaced priorities. The activist argued that the military should focus on protecting Nigeria's borders rather than defending private land interests of senior officers.
"The military's primary responsibility is to safeguard the country's borders," Sowore wrote, "but instead, it is devoting resources to protect a parcel of land for a high-ranking officer, allegedly acting on 'orders'."
He characterized the situation as reflecting the pervasive self-interest among officials who cater to privileged minorities at the expense of national security. Sowore emphasized that both parties involved in the confrontation deserved criticism for their conduct.
Wike's Past Conduct Recalled
The human rights campaigner reminded the public of a similar incident during Wike's tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Sowore accused the minister of previously obstructing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials from performing their duties.
"As governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike too once stood in the way of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officers, gun blazing, stopping them from arresting a corrupt judge friend of his," Sowore recalled in his social media post.
This reference to past behavior adds context to the current controversy and suggests a pattern of confrontational conduct by the FCT minister.
Public Reaction and Social Media Responses
The viral confrontation has generated significant public discussion, with many Nigerians expressing amusement at what they perceived as the humbling of the typically assertive minister. Social media users shared various perspectives on the incident.
One user @Fx_priest1 questioned Wike's remarks during the exchange: "Wike said and I quote 'As the time I graduated you were in primary school'. So my question is: 'Didn't anybody graduate when Wike was in primary school?' Abi Wike didn't go to primary school?"
Another comment from @Yfeatu expressed concern about military priorities: "So there are fine officers like this in Nigeria Army and Arabian marauders are holding sway in Nigeria forests. Who is giving them exotic guns?"
The incident has also drawn attention to broader issues of governance and rule of law in Nigeria, with some commentators like @DailyJusticeAct noting: "No matter what anyone thinks about Wike and his master Tinubu, the military is under civilian authority... The lawlessness of Nigeria's remnants of the Taubman Goldie constabulary is sickening."
Political Fallout and Calls for Action
The confrontation has prompted political reactions beyond Sowore's criticism. The Atiku Movement had previously condemned what they described as Wike's outrageous and delusional statements. The group accused the minister of taking credit for public projects as if they were funded from his personal resources.
As of the publication time, military authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The silence from defense officials has further fueled public speculation and debate about the proper role of military personnel in civilian matters.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political authorities and security forces in Nigeria, raising questions about the boundaries of executive power and military jurisdiction in land administration matters.
