PETER OBI SLAMS WIKE–NAVAL OFFICER CLASH, SAYS IT EXPOSES NIGERIA’S INSTITUTIONAL DISORDER
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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, AM Yerima, as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional disorder.
Obi made the comment in a post shared on his social media handle on Wednesday, condemning the incident which went viral on social platforms. He described the episode as “a national embarrassment,” adding that it exemplifies the breakdown of civility and discipline among public officials.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example coming out of a disgraced country,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor questioned the increasing use of military personnel in civil matters, warning that such actions undermine professionalism and weaken governance structures.
“When public officials act beyond institutional norms, and when security agencies are used in ways that blur their professional boundaries, we weaken both governance and public trust,” he stated.
Obi stressed that the incident highlights the erosion of institutional integrity and the growing culture of impunity in the country. According to him, public officials must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of their offices.
“A country that aspires to greatness must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process,” he added.
The Labour Party leader also noted that titles such as “His Excellency,” “Distinguished,” and “Honourable” should reflect exemplary conduct and respect for the rule of law, rather than authority or power.
Obi’s comments come amid widespread criticism of the altercation between Wike and the naval officer, which many Nigerians see as a symptom of deeper issues within governance and institutional discipline.
Analysts say the Labour Party leader’s remarks have reignited national debate over the misuse of authority, the role of security agencies in civil affairs, and the need for public officials to uphold the principles of accountability and decorum in public service.
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