*Says Wike Should Have Followed Chain of Command
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said there is no justification for punishing Lieutenant A. Yerima, the naval officer involved in Tuesday’s confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing the encounter as “unnecessary and avoidable.”
The incident, which occurred over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District, saw Wike confronting Yerima and his team of armed naval personnel guarding the property reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
A video of the altercation, widely circulated online, showed Wike accusing the retired naval chief of unlawfully taking possession of the land — a scene that sparked nationwide debate over protocol and the conduct of public officials.
Speaking with DCL Hausa on Wednesday, Matawalle said the matter should have been handled through official channels rather than through a public confrontation.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. When he got there, the officer explained that he was simply obeying orders. Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer but rather taken up the matter with his superiors,” he said.
The Defence Minister commended the naval officer for maintaining composure, saying he acted within the limits of his duty.
“He was disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders. Therefore, the young officer only carried out his duty — worthy of commendation,” Matawalle stated.
He added that Yerima did not breach any military code of conduct.
“There is no offence under military regulations for which he should be charged. Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the Commander-in-Chief,” he warned.
Matawalle clarified that his comments were not in defence of military misconduct but a reminder that all government officials must respect the chain of command.
He said the Chief of Naval Staff had since visited the disputed land to commence an investigation into its ownership, stressing that any revocation or reassignment should follow due administrative procedures.
“We have not received any formal complaint from Wike, but I called him after the video went viral and advised that he should have contacted me before going there,” the minister added.
