…Says disrespecting men in uniform amounts to disobeying Tinubu
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has faulted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his public confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima, insisting that disrespecting men in uniform is tantamount to disrespecting President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Describing the exchange as “unnecessary and avoidable,” Matawalle cautioned public officials against undermining the authority of the military.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Wednesday, the minister said the matter should have been handled through formal channels rather than a public showdown.
He dismissed any justification for disciplinary action against Lt. Yerima, maintaining that the officer was merely obeying lawful orders.
“There is, therefore, no offence under military law for which he should be charged. Wike should not have engaged him in an altercation, especially out of respect for the uniform he was wearing.
Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
Matawalle emphasized that his comments were not an endorsement of military misconduct but a reminder that government officials must respect established chains of command.
He revealed that despite being advised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to await an investigation into the matter, Wike proceeded to the disputed site to confront the naval personnel.
“As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience and waited for the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Chief of Naval Staff had already visited the controversial land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District to commence a formal inquiry into its ownership.
He stressed that any revocation or reassignment of land should follow due administrative procedures, not confrontation.
Matawalle added that the Defence Ministry had not received a formal report from Wike regarding the incident, but he personally reached out to the FCT Minister after the viral video emerged.
“I called him and advised that he should have spoken with me before going there, rather than confronting the officers directly,” he said.
Ikengaonline reports that the clash occurred over a disputed parcel of land reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
A viral video shows Wike accusing the retired naval chief of illegally taking possession of the property.
Matawalle insisted that the issue should have been resolved administratively through the officer’s superiors.
According to him, Lt. Yerima conducted himself professionally and remained composed throughout the confrontation.
“Wike could have reached out to us to resolve whatever issue. The officer acted lawfully and obeyed orders. He did not commit any offence; he spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly,” he added.
