Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has dismissed any justification for disciplining Lieutenant A. Yerima, the naval officer involved in Tuesday’s confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the encounter as “unnecessary and avoidable.”
The clash, which occurred over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa District, saw Wike confronting Yerima and his team of armed naval personnel guarding the property reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).
In a video widely circulated online, Wike accused the retired naval chief of unlawfully taking possession of the land a scene that sparked widespread debate over protocol and civility among government officials.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Wednesday, Matawalle said the incident should have been handled through formal communication rather than a public altercation.
“What happened between Minister Wike and the officer is unfortunate. When he got there, the officer explained that he was simply obeying orders given to him. Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officer’s superiors,” the minister said.
According to Matawalle, the naval officer conducted himself professionally and acted strictly under orders, maintaining composure throughout the encounter.
“He (Wike) is our colleague, and Wike could have reached out to us to resolve whatever issue. The officer’s action was lawful because he was trained to be disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders. Therefore, the young officer only carried out his duty worthy of commendation,” he stated.
The minister further clarified that the officer’s actions did not breach any military code of conduct.
He cautioned public officials against undermining the authority of the armed forces, noting that disrespecting men in uniform indirectly challenges the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.
Matawalle also clarified that his remarks were not a defence of military misconduct but a reminder that government officials must respect the established chain of command.
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