Wike, Yerima and the Failure of Nigeria’s Institutional Order

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By Editorial Team

The confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Navy officer Lt. Abdullahi Yerima is more than a clash of personalities. It is a reminder that Nigeria’s institutions are weak, inconsistent and easily overshadowed by the power of individuals. When a minister and a military officer end up in a public argument, it exposes a system that lacks order, discipline and clear boundaries.

What happened in Abuja shows the inadequacy of the executive arm of government and the military, both of which are expected to operate with professionalism and respect for procedure. Instead, the incident revealed a structural problem. Our security agencies continue to deploy officers to guard private properties and individuals across the country, even when insecurity is rising on all fronts. That alone is enough to show that the system is not functioning the way it should.

If Nigeria had strong and independent institutions, there would be no need for Wike to personally appear at a demolition site or road enforcement scene. That duty should be carried out by institutions empowered by law, not by a minister acting as field marshal. The simple truth is that institutions are weak and personalities have become stronger than the offices they occupy. It is a dangerous trend.

The incident also exposed the emotional immaturity of some leaders. A minister should never address a serving officer in the manner Wike did, calling an officer names in public reflects poor emotional intelligence and sets a wrong example for those he leads. Leadership requires self-control, even under pressure.

On the other hand, Lt. Yerima did not commit any offence because he did not deploy himself to the property. He acted under instructions from superior officers, as expected in a disciplined force.

The attempt by Ministers in the Ministry of Defence to publicly side with the young officer and throw the the minister under the bus was unnecessary, biased and amounted to eye service. Their behaviour undermines the unity of FEC members and should not be encouraged by the Presidency.

Retired generals also weighed in on the matter, yet many of them have refused to confront the real issue behind the insecurity plaguing Nigeria. They criticise from the sidelines but remain silent about the internal rot, corruption and mismanagement that festered under their watch. Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis did not start today. Many of those shouting loudest contributed to the problems that weakened the military and exposed civilians to danger.

At the same time, we must not pretend that military personnel are innocent in the abuse of power witnessed across the country. There is a long history of soldiers intimidating civilians, forcefully taking over lands, or misusing their uniforms for selfish interests. Many Nigerians have suffered harassment from the same officers who were supposed to protect them. This culture of impunity must end. While some may disagree with Wike’s temperament, they cannot deny that military bullying is a real problem.

The incident also draws attention to a sensitive but important topic, the unexplained wealth of some serving and retired generals. Nigerians have been asking how military officers, whose salaries are publicly known, end up owning properties worth billions of naira. It is time for a thorough investigation into the assets of security elites, not to witch-hunt anyone, but to restore confidence in the system. For more than two decades, insecurity has grown worse, and many Nigerians believe the crisis has become a business opportunity for certain individuals.

Nigeria cannot continue on this path. A healthy democracy requires institutions that are stronger than individuals, the law should guide everyone, whether minister or military officer. The Presidency must ensure that this incident leads to genuine reforms, not just emotional exchanges. Security officers must return to their professional duties. Public officials must respect boundaries and the abuse of civilians by uniformed men must face firm punishment.

The Wike–Yerima incident is not an isolated drama. It is a warning sign that our systems are collapsing under the weight of personal power. If we fail to address these cracks, more confrontations will emerge, and public confidence will continue to erode. Nigeria needs discipline, accountability and institutions that work for the people, not for the powerful.