The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) on Thursday called for immediate dismissal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike over the recent altercation between him and a uniformed military officer.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how the viral incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, showed the minister engaging in a heated exchange with a military officer during a land enforcement exercise in Abuja.
CHRICED, however described the confrontation as “a national embarrassment and a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic ethos and institutional integrity.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED expressed dismay over what it called Wike’s “reckless display of arrogance, verbal abuse, and blatant disregard for the dignity of a serving military officer.”
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Dr. Zikirullahi said such behavior from a high-ranking public official was unacceptable in a country already struggling with insecurity and institutional decay.
“The Minister’s actions reflect a disturbing pattern of impunity and abuse of power that undermines the rule of law and the morale of our armed forces,” the statement read.
CHRICED aligned itself with the position of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), who described the Minister’s conduct as “a clear and present danger to national security.”
The statement applauded the officer involved for his restraint, describing his response as a model of discipline and professionalism that leaders should emulate.
“The military, as a disciplined institution, must not be subjected to public humiliation by political office holders who mistake authority for tyranny,” CHRICED stated.
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According to the statement, no individual, regardless of position, is above the law, warning that the Minister’s actions were a gross violation of democratic principles and civil-military relations.
CHRICED therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action by relieving Barrister Wike of his duties as FCT Minister.
“The President must demonstrate that his administration stands for discipline, respect for institutions, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic values. The question now is whether President Tinubu will rise above political loyalties and act in the national interest,” it said.
It also urged the National Assembly, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against what it described as “an abuse of power that should not be tolerated in a democracy.”
“Silence in the face of such impunity is complicity. Nigeria deserves leaders who lead with integrity, not those who degrade the offices they occupy,” it added.