The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has weighed in on the recent clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, A.M. Yarima, in Abuja.
In a statement posted on his X account titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection,” Obi described the incident as another sad reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional disorder.
He said what should have been a routine civic encounter had once again turned into a national embarrassment.
Obi Questions Use of Military in Civil Matters
The former Anambra State governor raised several questions about the role of the military in civil operations and the conduct of public officials during official duties.
He wondered why ministers should intervene in such issues in a manner he described as indecorous.
Obi asked: “Should the military be used for purely civil operations? Shouldn’t there be clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies?”
He also lamented the erosion of due process and civility in governance, noting that such confrontations weaken public trust in institutions.
Calls for Stronger Institutions and Discipline
Peter Obi stressed that the country must learn from the incident and rebuild institutions that are stronger than individuals.
He urged public officeholders to exercise humility and restraint, while upholding the dignity of uniformed officers and citizens alike.
He added, “A country that aspires to greatness must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process.”
Reiterating his long-held position on responsible leadership, Obi concluded that those who bear titles such as “His Excellency” or “Honourable” must live up to the moral weight of those offices.
He ended his post with his signature statement: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
