“A Minister Cannot Become an Enforcer,” Chidoka Criticises Wike’s Clash with Officer

Osita Chidoka has called on Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to apologise to a military officer following a confrontation in Abuja over a disputed plot of land.

A video that circulated online on Tuesday showed Wike being stopped by military personnel from entering the site, leading to a heated exchange between him and an officer.

In a statement, Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, described Wike’s actions as inappropriate and contrary to the principles of democratic governance. He said the minister’s decision to personally intervene at the site was a “fundamental misstep” that undermines institutional authority.

“Any law enforcement officer, in uniform or plain clothes, represents the president and the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. To abuse such an officer is to diminish the authority of the Republic itself,” Chidoka said.

He emphasised that in a constitutional democracy, government power operates through institutions, not individual impulse, and that ministers must act through proper channels rather than directly confronting security personnel.

Chidoka noted that if the soldiers’ presence at the site was questionable, Wike should have contacted the minister of defence instead of engaging the officer publicly. He urged the FCT minister to apologise for the use of abusive language, describing it as unacceptable conduct.

He also faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to Wike, saying their role was to de-escalate the situation and ensure their principal’s safety, not to heighten tensions.

According to Chidoka, the incident serves as a cautionary reminder that public officials must uphold the dignity of their offices and respect institutional boundaries in exercising authority.