A major political and institutional storm is brewing in Abuja following a public altercation on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, and a Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant Yarima, over a disputed parcel of land in the capital.
What initially appeared to be a minor disagreement has now escalated into a national concern, drawing reactions from senior military officers, northern political leaders and influential stakeholders across the country. Many of them have openly aligned with the naval officer, commending what they describe as his discipline and composure in the face of undue provocation.
The incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed an agitated Wike in a heated verbal exchange with Lieutenant Yarima, who maintained that he was carrying out written instructions from his superiors. The minister’s tone and behaviour have attracted heavy criticism, with many Nigerians describing his conduct as arrogant, high-handed and unbecoming of an official who represents the Presidency.
Reliable military sources told Truth Live News that the confrontation “deeply embarrassed” senior officers within the Armed Forces, leading several retired and serving generals to privately urge the Presidency to step in before the matter erodes morale within the military. One senior military officer, who pleaded for anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said, *“The young officer did nothing wrong. He acted professionally. What the minister displayed was unnecessary aggression. We cannot allow a situation where officers on lawful duty are humiliated for a political ego. The President needs to call him to order.”*
Another top serving officer expressed concern that such confrontations weaken discipline within the ranks, noting that many personnel already feel disrespected by certain political elites. “This kind of behaviour makes everything worse. Ministers should project the government positively, not drag its image through avoidable confrontations,” he said.
Beyond military circles, the incident has sparked agitation among northern political heavyweights who view Wike’s behaviour as a political liability ahead of the 2027 general election. A former northern governor, who also requested anonymity, told Truth Live News that consultations have already begun among key figures in the region. *“We have spoken with people in the Villa. This behaviour is becoming too frequent. It is not about region or politics. It is about how this affects the President’s image. If he continues like this, he will create unnecessary enemies for the President and the party. Something must be done,”* he said.
A serving governor from the North offered a similar position, insisting that the minister’s style has become too combative for the responsibilities entrusted to him. “The President should caution him strongly or ask him to reduce these public outbursts. We cannot afford this level of distraction with elections approaching,” he said.
Sources within the Presidency confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the matter, though no official reaction has been issued. A senior aide familiar with internal discussions revealed that the Presidency acknowledges the growing pressure. *“There is considerable pressure on the President to act. Many influential people believe the minister crossed the line. The matter is being reviewed at the highest level,”* the aide said.
Meanwhile, public criticism continues to mount as Nigerians online commend Lieutenant Yarima for maintaining calm despite the minister’s aggressive posture. Several civil society groups have also condemned the minister’s conduct and urged the federal government to ensure that officers performing their lawful duties are not subjected to political intimidation.
As reactions intensify and pressure mounts from both military and political stakeholders, all attention now shifts to the Presidency to determine whether Mr Wike will face disciplinary action, a quiet reprimand, or more decisive political consequences in the coming days.