The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, following a recent public verbal altercation with a military officer in Abuja.
The Independent Mirror reports that the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) described the minister’s conduct as “gross indiscipline and recklessness” that is unbecoming of a public officer and sends a wrong signal to the international community.
The call was contained in a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria.
He expressed deep concern that the incident, which reportedly stemmed from a land dispute where Wike confronted the officer guarding a property linked to a retired naval chief, undermines a vital national institution.
“This is the first time in recent years that a minister has engaged in such open disrespect towards the Armed Forces, and it should not be tolerated,” Rafsanjani stated.
He noted that Wike’s actions, which included a verbal assault on the uniformed personnel, are “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous to national security” at a time when the nation faces multiple security challenges.
CISLAC also cited Wike’s conduct as indicative of a “pattern of recklessness and poor emotional control” dating back to his time as a governor.
“Governance demands humility, restraint, and respect for institutional boundaries,” the statement read.
“People who lack humility, self-control, and respect for institutional order should not be entrusted with public office.”
The group warned that uncivil behaviour by government functionaries compromises Nigeria’s image.
The anti-corruption body also commended the military officer involved for his professionalism and composure despite the provocation.
CISLAC concluded by demanding that Minister Wike publicly apologise to the officer, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, insisting that firm action must be taken for the sake of national security and the integrity of public institutions.
