Peter Obi Reacts to Wike, Naval Officer Clash, Calls for National Reflection
By Muhammed Akindele
The former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has reacted to the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, describing it as “a reflection of the growing institutional disorder” in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his official social media handles, Obi said the incident was a needless embarrassment that exposed deep cracks in the country’s governance culture and respect for institutional boundaries.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country,’” Obi wrote.
He noted that beyond the personalities involved, the incident raises serious national questions about the use of military personnel for civil operations, the boundaries of ministerial authority, and the erosion of due process in public service.
“Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner?” he asked.
The former governor warned that when public officials act beyond institutional norms, and when security agencies are drawn into civilian disputes, both governance and public trust suffer.
“We must learn from this episode. It is time to rebuild a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where public office is exercised with humility and restraint; where the dignity of our uniformed officers and the rights of every citizen are upheld,” he said.
Obi further emphasized that those in public office must live up to the honor attached to their titles.
“To occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished, or Honourable, our behavior while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications,” he stated
