The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Nigerian Navy to issue a formal apology to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following a confrontation between the minister and a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima.
The organisation’s National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, made the demand in Port Harcourt while briefing journalists. He criticised the officer’s conduct during the incident and described it as disrespectful to both the minister and the office he represents.
The altercation occurred during Wike’s inspection of a disputed land in the Gaduwa area of Abuja. Lt. Yerima, who was seen in a widely circulated video, claimed he was protecting naval property. PANDEF alleged the officer acted on instructions from a retired Chief of Naval Staff.
Dr. Igali argued that the former naval chief should have recognised that Wike, as a member of the Federal Executive Council, represents the President in matters concerning the FCT. He added that Wike’s performance as minister deserved respect and proper decorum from security personnel.
He described the officer’s behaviour as an affront to civil authority and urged the Navy’s leadership to apologise on behalf of both the retired officer and the junior officer involved.
Igali also condemned the use of military personnel for private purposes, insisting that deploying junior officers to guard personal or unoccupied lands was unacceptable. He called for strict action to prevent such practices.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into the confrontation, saying this would reinforce professionalism within the armed forces and uphold respect for civil authority.
According to him, protecting the dignity of the FCT Minister’s office is essential to ensuring effective governance and preventing future acts of overzealousness.
