Following the widely reported altercation between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval commander in Abuja, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan has encouraged Nigerians to have the utmost respect for the nation’s armed services.
After meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Lawan reportedly addressed reporters.
The previous president of the Senate commended the armed forces for their steadfast commitment to preserving national unity and saving lives.
Lawan praised the security agencies for their efforts and said that all Nigerians should respect the military’s dedication, regardless of their social or political status.
He remarked, “Let me thank our armed forces and other security agencies for doing so much for us, to protect our lives and property.”
“They should be respected.” We should always be there for them. The military and other security agencies are receiving a lot of funding from this administration, and I think the next step is to demand returns on our investments.
But regardless of our standing, Nigerians ought to appreciate our military, Lawan continued. I’ve collaborated closely with them. They are doing an excellent job. We must give them a pat on the back and keep helping them.
According to reports, Lawan’s comments follow a furious altercation between FCT Minister Wike and naval commander A.M. Yerima on a contested plot of property in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.
Wike was seen arguing with armed naval officers who were watching over a house purportedly connected to a former Chief of Naval Staff in a video that went viral on the internet.
When soldiers prevented FCT officials from entering, they reportedly moved to halt an unauthorized development. When the minister arrived, he accused the cops of impunity and interfering with law enforcement.
Wike’s Reaction To The Outrage
In response to criticism sparked by the incident, Wike justified his conduct, claiming that he stepped in because senior FCTA officials were being attacked while performing their official duties.
“How can I serve as a minister when directors and other government workers are being beaten and assaulted? And what will I do while sitting in my office? “May I ask?”
He emphasized that no Nigerian was above the law and cautioned against employing security forces for private benefit.
“You’re missing a paper. We cannot behave without consequence any longer. There is no government that you are superior to. You can’t threaten them with a pistol. He informed the policeman, “I am not someone they can intimidate.
According to Wike, there were no records in the FCT that showed the land in question had been assigned lawfully.
“It is truly regrettable. I find it incomprehensible that a person who has achieved that status is unable to come to my office despite having a problem. He continued, “I’m not the type of person who will give in to blackmail.”
In response to the incident, Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defense, stated that the Defense Headquarters was investigating the situation in order to avoid future conflicts between civilian authorities and military troops.
He emphasized the need for mutual respect and clarity in interactions between government officials and security agencies, while also guaranteeing the protection of any officer deemed to be on “lawful duty.”
After completing its evaluation, the Defence Ministry is anticipated to issue additional directions.
