By Wathrayel Bassi Amos
The recent altercation between Minister Nyesom Wike and a young Naval officer exposes the deeper structural flaws troubling Nigeria’s democracy. This was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a long-standing decay—marked by the misuse of law enforcement agencies and the erosion of democratic principles.
Nigerians have watched security operatives act in ways that raise doubts about where their true loyalty lies: to the nation, the law, or to those in positions of power.In present-day Nigeria, it often takes only a minor disagreement for an influential figure to unleash security agents to pursue personal interests.
From Lagos to Kogi, Rivers, and Abuja, we have witnessed operatives carrying out unlawful instructions for political or private gain. This impunity thrives on the weakening of democratic institutions and the deepening divisions within the political system.
Regardless of the situation, Minister Wike had no justification for personally confronting military officers executing a lawful directive from their command. As a senior government official, he was expected to act with restraint and pursue the proper channels.
If he believed that the land in question was unlawfully acquired by a former Naval Chief, the appropriate step would have been to compile evidence and submit it to relevant authorities or the courts.
Ideally, Wike could have written formally to the Minister of Defence to request an investigation, or sought redress through legal means—if the matter was not already under litigation. However, by storming the site with armed escorts and verbally abusing a commissioned officer, even calling him a “fool,” the Minister displayed poor judgment and conduct unbecoming of his office.
This episode underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the rising public resentment toward the political class. While the government has a legitimate duty to demolish illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, such actions must always respect due process and human rights.
Beyond Wike’s behavior, the incident also exposes the equally troubling misuse of state resources by powerful figures. It was wrong for a former Chief of Naval Staff to deploy serving officers—funded by taxpayers—to secure a private property under dispute. Such acts represent the growing trend of elites using national security assets for personal protection and gain.
No serious nation should condone the disgraceful scene that unfolded between Wike and the Naval officer. It tarnishes Nigeria’s image and erodes public trust in governance. The President must act decisively to end this culture of impunity.
True leadership demands composure, adherence to due process, and respect for democratic values. When public officials behave as masters rather than servants of the people, the very foundations of governance begin to collapse.
Wathrayel Bassi Amos wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.