EXCLUSIVE: Powerful Forces Demand Immediate Sack of Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer

Some influential figures across Nigeria, including a powerful coalition of over 600 civil society organisations (CSOs) has called for the immediate dismissal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over what they described as his “unacceptable and reckless” conduct toward a naval officer in Abuja.

 

The coalition, operating under the banner of the Good Governance Network (GGN), said Wike’s recent outburst against the officer during an enforcement visit was an “affront to the Nigerian Armed Forces” and a “direct challenge to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief.”

 

CSOs Back Buratai’s Call for Wike’s Removal

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Usman Danladi, the CSOs expressed full support for former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), who had earlier condemned Wike’s conduct and called for his sack.

 

“We, the undersigned 600 civil society organisations, stand in full and uncompromising solidarity with Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.) in his courageous and timely call for decisive action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, following his disgraceful and highly provocative verbal assault on a serving naval officer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025,” the statement read.

 

The groups described the minister’s alleged verbal exchange — in which he was said to have called the officer “a big fool” — as “a gross act of indiscipline and arrogance unbecoming of a public officeholder.”

 

“This is Not Leadership, This is Arrogance”

The coalition said Wike’s actions reflected “a wider pattern of abuse of power” and demanded accountability from the Tinubu administration.

 

“This is not leadership. This is not governance. This is the conduct of a man who believes his political office places him above the law and above the very Armed Forces that protect our democracy,” the communiqué stated.

 

The organisations warned that ignoring the incident would “send a dangerous message” that public officials could insult or undermine national institutions without consequence.

 

Coalition Outlines Demands

The coalition presented a list of immediate actions expected from the Federal Government, including:

1. Immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike from office;

2. A formal public apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and the naval officer involved;

3. An independent investigation into the incident;

4. Possible disciplinary measures, including suspension pending inquiry; and

5. Mandatory civil–military relations training for all political officeholders.

 

“Anything less would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people and the Armed Forces. The Federal Government must act swiftly and firmly. The integrity of this administration is at stake,” the coalition warned.

 

“We Will Not Be Silent”

The CSOs pledged to continue monitoring the situation until action is taken, vowing not to relent until justice is served.

 

“We will not be silent. We will monitor, we will follow up, and we will mobilise until justice is done,” the statement added.

 

They also commended Buratai for “speaking truth to power” and for defending the honour of the Nigerian military.

 

“His voice reminds us that the strength of Nigeria lies not in the loudness of politicians but in the quiet courage and discipline of those who wear the uniform,” the communiqué said.

 

The coalition concluded with a stern warning that failure to act decisively could damage morale in the military and embolden further acts of impunity.

 

“No minister, no matter how powerful, has the right to insult or undermine the Nigerian military in the discharge of its lawful duties,” it said.