The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has broken his silence on the much-talked-about confrontation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, describing the incident as “unfortunate” but insisting that there is no basis to sanction the officer involved.
The altercation, which went viral on social media, has sparked intense debate among Nigerians about civil-military relations, authority, and discipline within the armed forces. Matawalle’s statement now sheds light on the Defence Ministry’s stance regarding the controversial encounter.
Background: How the Clash Began
The incident occurred at a disputed plot of land in the Gaduwa district of Abuja, where Minister Wike reportedly visited in person to inspect ongoing construction activities.
According to eyewitness accounts, the site is allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd), who reportedly has interest or ownership claims over the property.
When Wike and his entourage arrived, they met a naval officer identified as A. Yerima, who was stationed at the location on official duty. The encounter quickly escalated into a verbal confrontation, captured on camera and circulated widely online.
In the video, Wike was seen questioning the naval officer’s presence and authority to guard the property, while Yerima calmly attempted to explain that he was acting under instructions from his superiors.
Matawalle’s Stand: “The Officer Did Nothing Wrong”
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle said there was no justification for any disciplinary action against the officer involved.
He emphasized that Lieutenant Yerima was executing lawful orders from his chain of command and maintained a professional demeanor throughout the encounter.
“The officer did not commit any offence. He was carrying out a legitimate duty assigned to him by his superiors. He remained calm, respectful, and disciplined in the face of provocation,” Matawalle stated.
He added that the Ministry of Defence stands firmly by its personnel and would not entertain undue interference or intimidation from any civilian authority, regardless of position or influence.
Protocol and Chain of Command: A Question of Respect
Matawalle used the incident to highlight the importance of protocol in government and the need for mutual respect between civilian officials and military officers.
He explained that Minister Wike, as a member of the Federal Executive Council, should have followed formal channels if he believed a military officer had acted improperly.
“There are established procedures for handling such matters. The minister should have written officially or contacted the appropriate authority instead of engaging in a public confrontation,” Matawalle said.
He further stressed that the uniform of any military personnel represents not just the individual but the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, currently President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Disrespecting an officer, he warned, could be interpreted as disrespect to the President’s authority and the institution of the Armed Forces itself.
The Naval Chief’s Response: Investigation Underway
Following the public uproar, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) reportedly visited the disputed site to assess the situation firsthand. The Navy has since commenced a formal investigation to establish the true ownership of the land and verify all documentation related to the property.
According to sources within the Defence Headquarters, the investigation aims to prevent future misunderstandings between military personnel and government officials, particularly in areas involving security assignments and property disputes.
No Formal Complaint from Wike Yet
Interestingly, Matawalle revealed that despite the viral video and public discussions, Minister Wike has not lodged any formal complaint to the Ministry of Defence about the encounter.
However, Matawalle disclosed that he personally reached out to Wike after watching the video, in an effort to diffuse tension and maintain a cordial working relationship between both ministries.
“I called my brother, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, after I saw the video. We discussed it amicably. The issue is being handled in the spirit of cooperation, not confrontation,” he said.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
The incident has stirred mixed reactions across Nigeria.
Some citizens have defended the naval officer’s composure, describing his conduct as an example of discipline and restraint. Others, however, argue that Wike acted within his rights as the FCT Minister to question any activity taking place on government land.
On social media, hashtags such as #WikeVsNavy and #RespectTheUniform trended for hours, with many Nigerians calling for a clearer definition of boundaries between civilian administration and the military in civil spaces.
Analysts Weigh In: Lessons for Civil-Military Relations
Security experts and political analysts believe the confrontation reveals a growing tension between civilian authority and the armed forces, especially in urban governance contexts like the Federal Capital Territory.
Analyst Dr. Yusuf Lawal observed that while Wike’s passion for enforcing order in Abuja is commendable, engaging uniformed officers publicly could send the wrong signal about civil-military cooperation.
“Both sides must understand their roles. Civilian leaders should work through institutional frameworks, while the military must continue to maintain professionalism,” Dr. Lawal said.
