Our Reporter, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer as “another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in Nigeria.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday and titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection,” Obi lamented that what should have been a routine civic interaction was turned into a national embarrassment, exposing deeper flaws in Nigeria’s governance culture.
“The recent needless altercation between the FCT Minister, HE, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer is yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country,” Obi stated.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country.’”
The former Anambra State governor argued that beyond the personalities involved, the incident underscores the urgent need for an honest national reflection on the abuse of power and the erosion of institutional respect.
He posed several critical questions: “Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner? Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies? What does this say about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers?”
Obi further queried why Nigeria’s uniformed officers are often drawn into civilian disputes, lamenting the decline of civility, due process, and institutional order.
“If our institutions worked as they should, would tempers flare in situations that should be handled by clear procedure and hierarchy?” he asked.
“Above all, what example do incidents like this set for our younger generation about leadership, discipline, and the rule of law?”
According to him, such episodes highlight the dangers of personalizing power and subordinating national institutions to the whims of individuals.
“These are not just questions about one incident — they go to the very heart of how our nation is governed,” he said.
“When public officials act beyond institutional norms, and when security agencies are used in ways that blur their professional boundaries, we weaken both governance and public trust.”
Obi called on Nigerian leaders to embrace humility, civility, and discipline in public office, stressing that “a country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process.”
He emphasized that public office should reflect integrity and character, not arrogance or abuse of power.
“Repeatedly, I have maintained that to occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished or Honourable, how we get to such an office and our character and behaviour while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications,” Obi concluded.
