A recent high-profile confrontation in Abuja's Gaduwa District has sparked a national debate, involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Lieutenant A. Yerima, a naval officer. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, November 11, began when FCT Administration (FCTA) officials, led by Minister Wike, attempted to enforce a demolition order on an alleged illegal structure located on Plot 1946. However, their efforts were met with stiff resistance from armed military personnel stationed at the site, who claimed to be acting on the instructions of retired Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the former Chief of Naval Staff, reportedly linked to the controversial property. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated argument, with Minister Wike reportedly hurling insults at the naval officer, generating significant public commentary and drawing reactions from prominent figures across Nigeria.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, strongly condemned the naval officer's actions, advocating for his immediate reprimand and court-martial. In a live Facebook session, Dokubo asserted that the Minister, as the constitutional governor and chief security officer of the FCT (second only to the President), was well within his rights to address the situation. Dokubo emphasized the rule of law, arguing that no one, including military personnel, is above the constitution. He criticized the officer's "affront" towards a superior public official, stating that such an incident would not be tolerated in any sane society outside Nigeria and that property development must adhere to laid-down regulations.

Conversely, Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, viewed the clash as unnecessary and avoidable, believing it should have been resolved through established official channels. Speaking in an interview, Matawalle revealed that Minister Wike had previously contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who had advised him to allow military investigation before taking action. Matawalle staunchly defended Lieutenant Yerima, praising the officer for his professionalism, discipline, and obedience to lawful orders. He stressed that disrespecting uniformed personnel indirectly undermines the authority of the President, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and concluded that the officer committed no offense under military regulations, therefore warranting no punishment.

Providing a nuanced perspective, Dr. Joe Abah, a lawyer and former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Sector Reform, criticized Minister Wike's conduct while upholding his right to challenge impunity. In a post on X, Abah stated that Wike was wrong to call a fellow public servant a "fool" and should issue apologies to the officer, President Tinubu, and the general public for his behavior. However, Abah unequivocally supported Wike's stance against the deployment of military officers to a private property for civil operations. He called for the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to sanction the military personnel responsible for deploying the naval officers to protect the disputed land, while also advising the officer to avoid making categorical statements about property papers when following orders.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, characterized the altercation as "yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country" and an "embarrassment coming from a ‘disgraced nation.’" Obi highlighted that a routine civic encounter devolved into a public spectacle, revealing deeper governance issues. He posed critical questions regarding the appropriate use of the military in civil operations, the decorum expected of ministers, the clear boundaries between administrative authority and security agencies, and the erosion of due process and civility. Obi urged for national reflection, emphasizing the need to rebuild a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals, public office is exercised with humility, and the dignity of uniformed officers and citizens' rights are upheld, advocating for a culture of law, order, and respect for due process over impunity.