Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer, describing it as yet another sad reflection of the “growing institutional disorder” in Nigeria.
Obi said what should have been a routine civic encounter has instead turned into a national embarrassment, exposing deeper issues about how public institutions and officials conduct themselves.
“The recent needless altercation between the FCT Minister, HE, Barr. Nyesom Wike and a Naval officer are yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country,” Obi stated.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment— a typical example coming out of a 'disgraced country'.”
The former Anambra State Governor said the incident goes beyond the individuals involved, insisting that it raises fundamental questions about Nigeria’s governance culture, institutional discipline, and respect for due process.
Peter Obi queried why members of the armed forces are often drawn into civilian disputes, asking pointedly:
“Should the military be used for purely civil operations?”
He also questioned the manner in which the minister handled the matter, describing it as indecorous and contrary to established administrative protocols.
“If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister's intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner?” he asked.
Obi called for a clear separation between administrative authority and security agencies, warning that the constant overlap weakens governance.
“Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?” he said.
“What does this say about our respect for institutions and the separation of powers?”
He expressed concern that Nigeria has lost its culture of due process and civility, replacing it with public confrontation and spectacle.
“Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation?”
Obi stressed that such incidents set a bad example for the younger generation about leadership, discipline, and the rule of law.
He warned that when public officials act beyond institutional norms, public trust and governance integrity are undermined.
“When public officials act beyond institutional norms, and when security agencies are used in ways that blur their professional boundaries, we weaken both governance and public trust,” he said.
The former governor urged Nigeria to learn from the incident and focus on rebuilding a system where institutions are stronger than individuals.
“We must learn from this episode. It is time to rebuild a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals,” Obi emphasized.
“Where public office is exercised with humility and restraint; where the dignity of our uniformed officers and the rights of every citizen are upheld.”
He added that a country that seeks greatness cannot continue to reward impunity or ignore due process.
“A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process.”
Reiterating his long-held view on leadership ethics, Obi said titles like His Excellency, Distinguished, or Honourable must be earned through character and conduct, not mere office.
“To occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished or Honourable, how we get to such an office and our character and behaviour while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications.”
Ending his statement with his signature message of hope, Obi reaffirmed his belief that despite these setbacks, Nigeria can still be rebuilt on the foundation of discipline, respect, and institutional integrity.
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