Reactions as another Minister reveals fate of Military officer that confronted Wike
Reactions as another Minister reveals fate of Military officer that confronted Wike
Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence and former governor of Zamfara, has assured the public that the military officer involved in a high-profile confrontation with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will not face any disciplinary action.
Matawalle made the statement in an interview with DCL Hausa, addressing widespread speculation that the officer could be sanctioned over the incident.
The confrontation drew attention on Tuesday after a video circulated online showing Wike engaged in a heated exchange with the officer over a disputed parcel of land in Abuja.
In the footage, the FCT minister appeared to intervene in a tense dispute, separating his security team from the soldiers present. Wike was heard demanding to see the landowner’s approval documents, emphasizing that any development must have official authorization.
The military officer reportedly responded that the land documents were in order and that the soldiers were ensuring due process was properly followed.
“On the contrary, sir, we are not intimidating anybody. The papers are complete, and he said he has submitted them,” the soldier said
Responding to the development, Matawalle said the officer did nothing wrong and had acted within the limits of the law.
“What happened with the minister is not good. The FCT minister (Wike) was not supposed to approach the young officer like that,” he said.
“He is our colleague — even if there is an issue, he should have contacted us first.
“What the soldier did was correct because he was trained to follow due process. He acted respectfully and deserves appreciation for that.
“In military law, there is no punishment for that because he did the right thing by following due process and the law.
“If you notice, he spoke with respect, so there should be no punishment.
“When the minister met him, he should not have exchanged words with him, even just because of his uniform.
“Whoever wrongs a military officer, it’s as if they wronged the president, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
“Nothing will happen to that military man. It’s not about defending the military; as I said, we are following the law and order. The minister (Wike) knows that the officer has superiors.”
The past governor of Zamfara state noted that before addressing the issue, he confirmed with the chief of defence staff that an investigation was already underway.
“He made an inquiry before going there. The chief of defence staff told him to wait for investigation, but he refused and approached the soldiers directly,” Matawalle said.
“As a leader, he should have waited. Even the navy said they will conduct their own investigation.”
The minister said he has not received any official complaint from Wike regarding the incident, but had personally reached out to him after the video went viral.
“I called him yesterday after I saw the video. I told him he should have called me first, and he said he was told. I assured him I would investigate the issue,” Matawalle added.
