Wike Under Fire as Advocacy Group Condemns Attack on Naval Officer

ByNewsmakers

Nov 12, 2025 ##PrayerAndSupport Armed Forces, #Abuja construction site incident, #FCT Minister assault controversy, #Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, #Mary Abayomi Fatile statement, #Nigerian Armed Forces support, #Nigerian Navy officer assault, #Nyesom Wike naval officer attack, #Viral video Wike altercation, #Wike confronts naval officer

…Calls on Tinubu to Demand Public Apology to Military

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Convener of the #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies, Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, has condemned what she described as the “unprovoked physical and verbal assault” on a naval officer by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.

The incident, captured in a now-viral video, reportedly occurred during a ministerial inspection of a construction site in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. The footage shows the FCT Minister in a heated confrontation with a uniformed naval officer identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, who was reportedly performing lawful security duties at the location.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Ambassador Fatile described the minister’s conduct as “uncalled for and a direct affront to the honour and integrity of Nigeria’s military institution.”

“It is unacceptable for any public official, regardless of their position, to publicly humiliate or physically assault a member of the Armed Forces,” she said. “This act not only undermines the morale of our security personnel but sends a dangerous signal that political authority can trample on institutional discipline and national honour.”

Fatile praised the naval officer for displaying professionalism and restraint throughout the confrontation, noting that his conduct reflected the core values of the Nigerian Navy.

“Lieutenant Yerima acted in the most disciplined and dignified manner. While others might have reacted emotionally, he upheld the military code of conduct and protected the image of the Armed Forces. Such conduct deserves commendation, not humiliation,” she stated.

She called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by calling the FCT Minister to order and compelling him to issue a public apology to the Armed Forces and the officer involved.

Fatile further urged civil society groups, religious leaders, and citizens to stand in solidarity with the military, warning that actions that demoralize security personnel could weaken Nigeria’s overall security architecture.

“Our campaign is built on promoting mutual respect between civilians and security operatives. We therefore condemn any form of assault, provocation, or intimidation directed at those in uniform. National leaders must lead by example in promoting civility and institutional respect,” she added.

She reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to sustaining prayers, unity, and moral support for the Armed Forces and all security agencies across the country.