The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has publicly thrown his support behind a naval officer who was involved in a heated confrontation with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a contentious visit to a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The altercation, which quickly went viral on social media, ignited nationwide debates over discipline, due process, and the role of the military in civil matters.
The incident occurred as Wike and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to access a property in the Gaduwa district, reportedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
A naval lieutenant led soldiers assigned to guard the site, resisting Wike’s directive and igniting a tense exchange. In video footage, Wike is seen rebuking the officer, even calling him a “fool.” Unfazed, the officer responded, “I am not a fool, sir. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer.” This exchange has split public opinion, with many viewing the officer’s composure as a display of professionalism under pressure.
Reacting to the viral clash, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru praised the naval officer and assured the public that he would be protected if he was performing a lawful duty. The Defence Headquarters later posted a cryptic message underscoring military discipline in response to the growing controversy.
Matawalle, in his own statement, asserted that there was no basis to sanction the naval officer, saying, “What happened was unfortunate, but the officer was simply carrying out his lawful instructions. At all times, our men must uphold the integrity of their commission and the Constitution.” He urged all parties to respect institutional boundaries and emphasized, “there is no justification for punishing the officer for his stance.”
Meanwhile, the ministry warned that the clash was unnecessary and avoidable. “Hierarchy and order must be maintained, but we expect civil public officers to channel grievances through proper avenues,” Matawalle added, noting that government property disputes should be managed through documentation, not physical confrontation.
The incident has triggered intense reactions from political figures, military veterans, and the wider public, with some demanding apologies, others defending the minister, and many questioning the deployment of military personnel for land-related civil matters. The Defence Ministry, however, made it clear that the officer’s conduct was in accordance with legal directives and reflected the standards expected of commissioned officers.
As the debate continues, the role of the military in protecting property, the importance of lawful conduct by public officials, and the need for clear separation of duties between military service and political office remain at the forefront of national attention.
