Military veterans berate Wike over altercation with naval officer
The Coalition of Retired Veterans has berated Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for using abusive language against a military officer on official duty.
In statement issued by the coalition’s spokesman, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, the veterans criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer during the altercation.
The Syndicate reports that the incident occurred during an enforcement visit by Wike to a disputed land in Abuja, where a naval officer on duty refused them entry.
According to the veterans, a public office holder should not use abusive language against security personnel carrying out official duties.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
He said a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state and that disrespecting such an officer undermines the military institution.
The veterans faulted calls for disciplinary action against the officer, saying any such move would be resisted.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister,” he warned.
The veterans noted that military officers swear loyalty to the country and not to individual public officials and insisted that Wike should apologise to the officer.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not an acceptable behaviour,” the statement added.
