Nigerian Defence Minister Bello Matawalle has berated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for confronting a naval officer at a disputed site in Abuja despite being advised by top military officials to wait for an investigation.
Wike Rushes to Site Despite Military Advice
The incident took place at a property in Gaduwa District, Gudu, Abuja, allegedly occupied by the military.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle described the incident as unfortunate.
He explained that Wike had previously contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who advised him to allow the military to investigate the matter before taking action.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. When he got there, the officer explained that he was simply obeying orders given to him. Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officer’s superiors,” Matawalle said.
Naval Officer Followed Orders, Maintained Discipline
Matawalle emphasised that the naval officer acted according to instructions and conducted himself with discipline and respect during the encounter.
“He (Wike) is our colleague, and Wike could have reached out to us to resolve whatever issue. The officer’s action was lawful—he was trained to be disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders. Therefore, the young officer only carried out his duty worthy of commendation,” the minister stated.
According to Matawalle, the officer did not violate any military rules and acted properly throughout the interaction.
“He did not commit any offence under military regulations; he merely obeyed a lawful order and followed due process. If you observe carefully, he spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly,” he added.
Respect for Uniformed Officers and the President
The Defence Minister further warned that government officials must show respect to members of the Armed Forces.
Disrespect toward a uniformed officer indirectly undermines the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
“There is, therefore, no offence under military law for which he should be charged. Wike should not have engaged him in an altercation, especially out of respect for the uniform he was wearing. Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. There is, therefore, no basis for any punishment against the officer,” Matawalle said.
He clarified that his remarks were not meant to condone indiscipline within the military but to emphasise the importance of following command procedures.
“This is not about supporting the military to act disrespectfully toward civilians. The Minister should understand that every officer has superiors. I gathered that he called the Chief of Defence Staff, who advised him to wait for an investigation,” he explained.
Wike Ignores Advice, Proceeds to Confront Officers
Matawalle revealed that Wike ignored the advice of the service chiefs and went straight to the disputed site.
“However, he did not wait and instead went straight to the site. As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience and waited for the outcome of the investigation,” the Defence Minister said.
He added that the Chief of Naval Staff had assured Wike that an inquiry would be conducted, yet Wike still chose to confront the officers personally.
“Wike also contacted the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that an investigation would be conducted. Yet again, he did not wait. It was supposed to be a one-day inquiry, but he chose to go there and confront them,” the minister noted.
Formal Investigation Now Underway
Matawalle confirmed that the Chief of Naval Staff has since visited the disputed area to begin a formal investigation into the ownership of the land.
“Now that the Chief of Naval Staff has visited the area—since it involves a land dispute—the matter will be investigated to know who owns the lawful documents,” he said.
He added that any revocation of the land should follow proper administrative and diplomatic procedures rather than confrontation.
“If the land has been revoked, there are established procedures to be followed diplomatically,” Matawalle said.
No Formal Complaint From Wike Received
The Defence Minister revealed that the Ministry of Defence has not received a formal complaint from Wike over the incident.
“We have not received any formal complaint from Wike, but I called him after the video went viral and advised that he should have spoken with me before going there, rather than confronting the officers directly,” Matawalle said.
