Former military generals have condemned the confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and naval officer A. Yerima over alleged land grabbing in Abuja.
They described the clash as disrespectful and damaging to institutional discipline. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has ordered an investigation and assured protection for any officer on lawful duty.
Badaru commended Yerima for his composure, stating that the ministry would not tolerate harassment of officers performing their duties.
The dispute involved land guarded by military personnel under the orders of ex-Naval Chief Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), which Wike claimed was illegally acquired.
Retired Generals Tukur Buratai, Peter Aro, and Bashir Adewinbi criticized Wike’s conduct, calling it a breach of respect for the chain of command. Buratai described it as “a threat to national security.”
However, Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister, saying the land was originally meant for park and recreation use and was illegally sold after a failed 2022 request to convert it for commercial purposes.
