Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has criticised the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for personally confronting Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Yerima at a disputed site in Abuja, despite guidance from top military officials to allow due process.
In a viral video, Wike was seen in a heated exchange with the naval officer over a property in Gaduwa District, Gudu, Abuja, allegedly occupied by the military.
Speaking to DCL Hausa, Matawalle described the confrontation as unfortunate. He explained that Wike had contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who advised him to wait while the military investigated the matter.
Matawalle emphasised that the officer acted lawfully and maintained discipline throughout the encounter. “The officer carried out his duty correctly and did not breach any military regulations,” he said.
The Minister of State for Defence stressed the importance of respecting military personnel, noting that any disrespect to uniformed officers indirectly undermines the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
He clarified that his comments were not to excuse indiscipline but to highlight proper adherence to command procedures. He noted that Wike ignored the advice of military leaders and went straight to the site.
“The Chief of Naval Staff had assured him that an inquiry would take place. Despite this, he proceeded to confront the officers personally. Proper administrative and diplomatic procedures should have been followed,” Matawalle said.
He confirmed that the Chief of Naval Staff has since visited the disputed area to begin a formal investigation into ownership of the land. Matawalle added that the Ministry of Defence has not received any formal complaint from Wike, but he personally advised the minister to follow proper channels in such matters.
