George Ozalla
The Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria has called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as an unacceptable display of executive lawlessness during a confrontation with a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Lieutenant A. Y. Yerima. In a statement signed by its Comrade General, Solomon Selcap Dalung, the group said Wike’s conduct, marked by insults and aggressive outbursts, amounted to a direct assault on the dignity and discipline of the military.
According to the statement, MEN expressed concern that the Minister’s behaviour not only demeaned an individual officer but also undermined the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The group warned that such actions erode the sanctity of civil–military relations and, if overlooked, could set a troubling precedent for future engagements between public officials and officers carrying out lawful duties.
According to MEN, Wike also disregarded professional advice from the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Naval Staff while attempting to interfere in a sensitive land inspection. The group said this amounted to an embarrassment to the Federal Executive Council and a betrayal of the responsibilities attached to his office.
MEN demanded Wike’s immediate resignation, adding that if he failed to step down, the President should relieve him in the interest of national stability and institutional respect. It also insisted that the Minister must issue an unreserved public apology to the President, the Armed Forces, and Nigerians for what it called unruly conduct and reckless utterances.
The group warned that failure by the Presidency to take decisive action would prompt nationwide protests in collaboration with retired servicemen and pro-democracy groups, culminating in a peaceful march to the Ministry of Defence. It stressed that Nigeria must not allow impunity to thrive, adding that the dignity of the Armed Forces and the sanctity of public institutions remain essential to protecting national unity and security.
Solomon Selcap Dalung, who signed the statement, is a former Minister of Youth and Sports and currently leads the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria, a civil advocacy group based in Abuja.
