Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka has called on Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to issue a formal apology to a military officer following their heated confrontation over a disputed land in Abuja. The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, has sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about proper protocol in government operations.
The Abuja Confrontation
A viral video captured the intense moment when Wike, the FCT minister, was prevented from accessing a contested site by military personnel stationed in the area. The footage showed the minister engaged in a verbal altercation with Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, with both parties standing their ground regarding access to the property.
The confrontation quickly escalated as Wike, known for his assertive approach to governance, exchanged harsh words with the military officer. The incident occurred amid Wike's ongoing campaign to restore order in Abuja's urban planning landscape, particularly regarding government lands and public spaces.
Chidoka's Strong Criticism
In a formal statement released through his Facebook page, Chidoka, who served as aviation minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, strongly condemned Wike's approach. The former minister emphasized that any law enforcement officer represents the president and Nigerian sovereignty, making such confrontations unacceptable.
"Any law enforcement officer, in uniform or plain clothes, represents the President and the sovereignty of the Nigerian state," Chidoka stated. "To abuse such an officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself."
Chidoka particularly criticized Wike's decision to personally enforce directives at the disputed site, describing it as a fundamental misstep in constitutional democracy. He argued that executive authority should always be exercised through proper institutions rather than personal confrontation.
Institutional Protocol vs Personal Intervention
The former minister outlined what he considered the proper channels for handling such disputes. According to Chidoka, ministers should act through process, not presence, suggesting that Wike should have communicated formally with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, whose office oversees the Nigerian Armed Forces.
"In constitutional democracies, power operates through institutions not impulse," Chidoka wrote. "Executive authority must be exercised or adjudicated through the courts, ministries, and lawful instruments of state, never through confrontation."
Chidoka also expressed concern about the behavior of Department of State Services (DSS) officers assigned to protect Wike. He stated that their responsibility was to extract their principal from potentially dangerous situations rather than escalate conflicts.
The former minister's statement highlighted several key points about proper governance protocols:
- Ministers must operate through established institutional channels
- Confrontation with uniformed officers undermines discipline and hierarchy
- Security officers' loyalty should be to the state, not personalities
- Formal communication between ministries is the appropriate conflict resolution method
Broader Context and Reactions
The incident occurs against the backdrop of Wike's repeated vows to protect government lands from what he describes as "powerful interests and lawless developers." However, the minister has faced previous criticism over allegations of allocating prime land to close associates, claims he has consistently denied.
This is not the first time Wike's approach to governance has generated controversy. The former Rivers State governor has built a reputation for his combative style, though this recent confrontation with military personnel represents a significant escalation.
The Defence Headquarters responded to the incident with a cryptic social media message stating "Unshaken, unbent, unbroken," though they haven't issued an official statement about the specific confrontation.
Meanwhile, political groups including the Atiku Movement (TAM) have previously called for Wike's dismissal, criticizing what they term his "outrageous and delusional statements" regarding infrastructure projects.
As the controversy continues to develop, all eyes remain on whether Minister Wike will respond to Chidoka's demand for an apology and how this incident might affect the ongoing efforts to manage land disputes in Nigeria's capital territory.
