The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has described the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Yerima, as “unnecessary and avoidable.” The incident, which occurred during a land inspection in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, has sparked widespread public debate and concern over civil-military relations.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Matawalle emphasized that the matter should have been handled through official channels rather than escalating into a public altercation. He noted that Wike had earlier contacted military leadership regarding the disputed land and was advised to allow internal investigations to proceed before taking further action.
“This kind of confrontation was not necessary. There are established procedures for resolving such disputes, especially when they involve military personnel,” Matawalle stated. “We must respect institutional processes to maintain harmony and uphold the dignity of public office.”
The land in question is reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.), and was being guarded by armed naval officers under Lt. Yerima’s command. A video of the incident shows Wike confronting the officer, accusing the Navy of illegally occupying the land.
Matawalle defended the conduct of the naval officer, stating that Yerima acted professionally and within the bounds of military protocol. He cautioned that disrespecting uniformed personnel could be interpreted as undermining the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
The Defence Ministry has called for calm and urged all parties to allow the matter to be resolved through appropriate legal and administrative mechanisms. The Nigerian government is reportedly reviewing the incident to ensure that future engagements between civil authorities and the military are conducted with mutual respect and decorum.