There was some drama yesterday in Abuja as the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was seen having a confrontation with a Naval Officer.
Sometimes, things happen for a reason — to teach lessons and help us reflect.
At the moment, this incident has divided people into two sides:
1. Those supporting the Minister’s action
2. Those supporting the Naval Officer’s action
However, there are important points we must understand:
A. It is normal for a Minister to get angry or lose his temper — he is human.
But because of his position, he should not go physical or act violently toward a security officer.
B. It is also normal for a Naval Officer to obey an order from his superior.
But he should not disrespect a serving Minister while carrying out that order.
Now, let’s think about these important questions:
i. Is it right or constitutional for a former Chief of Naval Staff to send his security guards — who are meant to protect him — to secure a property that is already marked for public use and not residential purposes?
ii. Shouldn’t the Minister have followed the proper legal process, like taking the matter to court, instead of reacting emotionally or physically against a young officer who was only following orders?
iii. Are our armed forces not trained to defend Nigeria — our land, sea, and air — from internal and external threats?
So why are they being used to guard private properties that have nothing to do with national security?
All these kinds of actions can happen when national security becomes politicized.
That is why we must stop mixing politics with sensitive security matters in our country.
I use this opportunity to advise that until Nigeria stops politicizing everything, the country will continue to face setbacks — setbacks that could even cost innocent lives.
This is not a prophecy, but a real warning and a challenge that must be taken seriously.
By Yohanna Sunday Atiku
Criminologist and Security Expert
November 12, 2025
