The clash between Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja has taken a new turn as former senator Dino Melaye publicly criticised the minister for denying he insulted the officer involved.
The incident, which occurred during a heated confrontation over a land dispute in the Gaduwa area of Abuja, went viral after a video showed Wike exchanging words with Lieutenant Commander Ahmad Yerima. In the footage, Wike appeared visibly angry as he confronted the officer, who remained composed and responded, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on orders.”
Following the public outrage that trailed the video, Wike addressed the media and denied calling the officer a “fool.” According to him, he “would never refer to a military personnel in such a manner,” insisting that the circulating interpretation of the encounter was inaccurate.
However, Dino Melaye swiftly rejected Wike’s denial. In a post on X, Melaye accused the minister of attempting to downplay his own words despite the viral video showing otherwise. He wrote that Wike was trying to “deny what he said without a microphone after being caught on camera,” adding a sarcastic remark that the “spirit of error” must have been at work.
Melaye’s remarks intensified public debate, with many Nigerians questioning the minister’s conduct during the confrontation. The backlash grew stronger after the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, weighed in on the matter, describing the clash as “unnecessary and avoidable.” Matawalle said the naval officer acted under lawful command and that Wike should have addressed any concerns through appropriate military channels rather than engaging in a public showdown.
The incident has also drawn responses from military veterans and civic groups, many of whom criticised Wike’s handling of the situation and called for greater respect toward uniformed officers. Some groups argued that the minister’s actions undermined the dignity of his office, while others urged him to issue an apology to prevent further escalation.
As reactions continue to pour in, the exchange between Wike and Melaye has reignited broader discussions about the conduct of public officials, the treatment of security personnel, and the importance of accountability in governance. The controversy remains a trending topic online, with many Nigerians closely following the unfolding developments.
