A wave of outrage has trailed the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, following an incident on November 11, 2025, in which he reportedly disparaged a uniformed officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces during a public engagement.
The incident, which has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and prominent figures, has been described as a “serious threat to national security and institutional discipline.”
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), reacting via his verified social media handle, condemned the Minister’s behaviour, describing it as “an act of profound indiscipline that strikes at the core of our nation's command and control structure.”
According to Gen Buratai, “A minister’s verbal assault on a military officer in uniform deliberately undermines the chain of command, disrespects the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, and wounds the morale of those who serve under the Nigerian flag.”
Security analysts have echoed similar sentiments, warning that such behaviour from a serving minister could erode the discipline and respect that sustain Nigeria’s defence institutions.
Observers insist that the incident must not be dismissed as mere political drama. “It represents a reckless endangerment of national order and a clear indication of undermining the Federal Government’s authority,” one senior security commentator said.
In light of the uproar, several voices have called for Barrister Wike to issue an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the specific officer involved in the incident.
“The integrity of our Armed Forces must come first. It is time for decisive action, not politics of military bashing,” the statement added.
As at press time, the FCT Minister has not issued an official response to the growing controversy.