Wike-Naval Officer’s Face-off: MOSIEND Calls For Respect For Civil Authorities

Following the public altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, and a young Naval officer, Lt. AM Yerima, over a disputed land in Abuja on Tuesday, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called for respect civil authorities.

MOSIEND President, Dr. Kennedy West, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stated that Wike acted within the full scope of his official authority as minister of the FCT.

West questioned the rationale behind the deployment of a Naval officer to guard or protect a disputed private property allegedly linked to a retired senior military officer.

The statement read: “The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has watched with keen interest the trending incident involving the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, and a young Naval officer allegedly acting on the instruction of a retired Chief of Naval Staff over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.

“While several social media commentators have attempted to twist the narrative to portray the Honourable Minister as overbearing, MOSIEND wishes to state categorically that Chief Wike acted within the full scope of his official authority as Minister of the FCT, whose constitutional duty includes the protection of all Federal Capital Territory assets and the enforcement of regulations governing land administration in Abuja.

“It is rather disturbing that a serving Naval officer, Lt. Yarima, was reportedly deployed to guard or protect a disputed private property allegedly linked to a retired senior military officer.

“This raises serious administrative and ethical questions about the misuse of military personnel trained and paid by taxpayers to serve the private interest of retired individuals. Such acts amount to an abuse of military privilege and an affront to civil authority.

“MOSIEND wishes to remind all that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy, not military rule. Therefore, no retired officer—irrespective of past rank or influence—has the right to deploy serving military personnel for personal or commercial purposes.

“The proper approach, if there are ownership concerns, would have been for the retired officer to formally approach the FCT Administration for clarification and due process, not to engage military personnel in civil disputes.

“It is also important to underscore that the disputed property in question belongs to the Federal Capital Territory, and as the chief administrator, Chief Nyesom Wike has every legal right and responsibility to visit, inspect, and take necessary actions where government property is being encroached upon.

“Attempting to obstruct or intimidate him in the discharge of this duty is a direct challenge to the authority of the Federal Government.

“While MOSIEND holds the Nigerian Armed Forces in the highest esteem and recognizes their sacrifices in defending our nation, we caution against any recurrence of military interference in civil governance matters, as this sets a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. The loyalty of every serving officer must remain to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, not to retired officers or private individuals.

“Chief Wike’s action reflects not arrogance, but firm leadership and commitment to restoring order, transparency, and accountability in the management of the FCT. Those who may not be comfortable with his assertive style should separate personal sentiments from the principle of lawful governance. The law must always take precedence over emotion or influence.”

The group, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu and the military high command to investigate the alleged misuse of military personnel for private assignments and ensure that disciplinary measures were applied to deter future occurrences.

“MOSIEND, therefore, calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the military high command to investigate the alleged misuse of Naval personnel for private assignments and ensure that disciplinary measures are applied to deter future occurrences. Upholding discipline within the ranks is essential for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of our Armed Forces.”

“Nigeria must move forward as a nation guided by the rule of law, respect for civil authority, and due process in governance,” the statement added.