Olushola Omogbehin
Following the hot argument between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and a young naval officer during an enforcement visit to a disputed land in Abuja, Military veterans in the country have berated Wike over the issue.
In a statement released by the spokesman of the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, Wike was criticised for verbally insulting the officer during the encounter.
The veterans said public office holder should not use abusive language against security personnel carrying out official duties.
“How can a public office holder call an officer ‘a fool’ on camera? If he was responsible, he should have engaged the Chief of Naval Staff privately rather than attempting to disgrace a retired senior officer.”
The Veterans who vowed that any call for disciplinary action would be resisted further said that a uniformed officer represents the authority of the Nigerian state and that disrespecting such an officer undermines public institutions.
“If for any reason the officer is punished, military veterans will occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister.
“Wike’s action demeans the dignity of the office of a minister. He should apologise for using abusive language. It is not acceptable behaviour,” Durowaiye-Herberts said.
