“Wike Deserves National Apology Over Clash With Naval Officer” – PANDEF

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has demanded a national apology to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his reported altercation with a naval officer.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 13, the group’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. He said the action was necessary to uphold professionalism within the military and maintain respect for civil authority, describing it as vital to sustaining a stable and lawful democracy.

Igali stressed that Wike must be shielded from acts of overzealousness while performing his official duties, noting that the conduct of the naval officer was not merely a personal affront but also a public display of disrespect to the office of the President, whose authority the FCT Minister represents.

He criticized the growing trend on social media of glorifying the officer’s behavior, warning that such attitudes undermine discipline and hierarchy within the armed forces. The PANDEF chairman also hinted that the officer was allegedly acting under the instruction of a retired Service Chief, who, he said, should have shown greater respect for Wike’s office as a key member of the Federal Executive Council.

Describing Wike as one of the administration’s most effective ministers, Igali insisted that the FCT Minister deserves to be treated with dignity and decorum. He called on the Nigerian Navy to issue an unconditional apology on behalf of its leadership, the retired officer involved, and the junior personnel caught in the controversy.

Igali further condemned the misuse of young military officers for unauthorized assignments such as guarding private properties, stressing that such practices must be stopped to protect the integrity of the nation’s armed forces.