By Kazeem Israel
CITIZENS COMPASS— The embarrassing confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the young Naval officer, A. M. Yerima, yesterday, reflects the deeper problems confronting Nigeria’s democracy. The erosion of democratic norms did not begin with that altercation, it has been ongoing for years through the weaponisation of law enforcement agencies. We have repeatedly seen security personnel act in questionable ways that make Nigerians doubt their true loyalty if it is to the State, the law, or powerful individuals.
In today’s Nigeria, it takes only a slight provocation for an influential person to deploy security operatives to enforce illegal orders. From Oworonsoki to Kogi, Rivers, and Abuja, we have witnessed security agents being used to advance private interests. Unfortunately, this culture of impunity has grown out of extreme political polarisation and the gradual weakening of democratic institutions.
Whatever the circumstances, Minister Wike had no business personally visiting the disputed site to confront military officers carrying out a ‘lawful’ directive from their superior. As a senior public official, he ought to have acted with restraint and followed due process. If he believed that the land was illegally acquired by a former Naval Chief, the right approach would have been to gather evidence and present it to the appropriate authorities or to the courts.
Ideally, Wike should have written to the Minister of Defence, highlighting any irregularities and demanding official action. Alternatively, he could have sought legal redress in court (that’s if the issue is not already a subject of litigation). But, by physically storming the site with armed escorts and verbally attacking a commissioned officer to the point of referring to him as a “fool”, the Minister clearly overstepped his bounds and violated public decorum expected of a public officer.
Many Nigerians have praised the young Naval officer for maintaining composure and clarity under pressure. His calm and professional response stood in sharp contrast to Wike’s aggressive behaviour. It is obvious that Wike’s visit was more of an attempt to intimidate than to enforce any lawful order. Even if one existed, it was not his duty to implement it personally. Such enforcement should be handled by the Police or through Court processes, not by a serving Minister seeking public attention as he has always done.
Meanwhile, this incident further highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the growing anger of citizens towards the political elite. Wike’s behaviour reinforces the perception of leaders who act above the law and disregard democratic values. And, considering the fact that he has consistently demonstrated autocratic tendencies, he is unfit to lecture anyone about democracy. His impulsive and confrontational style erodes public trust and weakens democratic culture.
There is no gainsaying that there is a legitimate need for the government to remove illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory, and, anywhere else. However, the manner of enforcement must respect due process and human dignity. But, Wike’s approach, often seen as high-handed and reckless, has drawn repeated criticism and pitched him against the public. And, the altercation with the Naval officer was another example of his recklessness and lack of restraint.
Beyond condemning Wike’s conduct, the incident exposes a broader problem of the misuse of security personnel by the powerful. To be candid, it was equally wrong for the former Chief of Naval Staff to deploy officers managed with taxpayers to protect a private parcel of land under dispute. Regardless of the situation, there can be no justification for such abuse of public resources. It reflects a wider culture in which elites treat security agencies as private guards to serve personal interests.
No responsible government should tolerate the kind of spectacle witnessed between Minister Wike and the Naval officer. It was disgraceful and damaging to the image of the country. Wike himself has a record of obstructing lawful processes, as seen when he once prevented the EFCC from arresting a Judge in Rivers State. Such behaviour illustrates the growing impunity among public officials who see themselves as untouchable.
The deeper issue remains the indiscipline, corruption, and moral decay within Nigeria’s security institutions. When officers act as errand agents for politicians or superior, it undermines professionalism and weakens democracy. Law enforcement must be done within the rule of law, not as instruments of intimidation for the rich and the powerful.
The President must address this culture of lawlessness decisively. Minister Wike, in particular, needs to be cautioned. His excessive talk, arrogance, and lack of civility make him a liability to the government he represents. Leadership demands calmness, respect for due process, and commitment to democratic ideals. But, when officials act as overlords instead of servants of the people, the foundation of governance begins to crumble.
The altercation between Wike and the Naval officer was not just a clash of personalities, it symbolised how fragile Nigeria’s democracy has become. It exposed how institutions meant to uphold the law are being manipulated for personal power. Unless the government restores discipline and professionalism in public institutions, such embarrassing incidents will persist.
Democracy cannot thrive on intimidation or abuse of power. It survives through respect for law, accountability, and civility. Minister Wike’s behaviour fell short of these values and must be condemned, not just for moral reasons, but for the survival of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Kazeem Olalekan Israel, a public commentator writes from Ibadan, Oyo State..
