By Nkechi Eze
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the recent altercation involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, and a military officer, describing the incident as reckless, disrespectful, and unbecoming of a public officeholder. The organisation said the incident not only undermines Nigeria’s governance ethics but also sends a damaging message about the nation’s leadership culture to the international community.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organisation emphasised the need for greater decorum, restraint, and respect among public officials in the discharge of their duties. Rafsanjani stated that government functionaries are expected to be “civil, disciplined, and guided by the principles of public service and respect for the rule of law.”
“Public officials are supposed to be civil and civilised in carrying out their responsibilities and must understand the code of conduct that guides public office,” Rafsanjani said. “The idea of public officials attacking security personnel is unacceptable and passes a wrong message about the nation. They must be role models, not symbols of impunity.”
CISLAC described the FCT Minister’s conduct as “gross indiscipline and recklessness unbecoming of a public officer,” stressing that “governance should not be run with such impunity and arrogance.” The group noted that Wike’s actions reflected “a recurring pattern of poor emotional control and abuse of office,” pointing to a broader concern over his leadership style since his tenure as a state governor.
“The character and conduct exhibited by the FCT Minister, from his time as a governor to his current role, show a pattern of recklessness and poor emotional control. Governance demands humility, restraint, and respect for institutional boundaries,” the statement noted.
CISLAC also recalled that a coalition of over 52 Nigerian civil society organisations recently called for an independent investigation into the FCT Minister over alleged asset concealment, illicit enrichment, and potential violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws. It said the recent incident further reinforces public concern about his fitness for high office.
Describing Wike’s outburst as “dangerous to national security,” CISLAC cautioned that attacking the Nigerian Armed Forces—one of the country’s most respected institutions—was both irresponsible and detrimental to the nation’s image at a time of heightened internal insecurity and international scrutiny.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain one of the nation’s most respected institutions, both at home and abroad,” the statement read. “To ridicule such a vital national body when the country is under immense internal and external pressure is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
The organisation commended the military officer involved in the confrontation for maintaining calm and professionalism despite provocation, noting that his conduct reflected the discipline, integrity, and command ethics that define the Nigerian military.
Rafsanjani urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, warning that “people who lack humility, self-control, and respect for institutional order should not be entrusted with public office.” He emphasised that such behaviour, if left unchecked, could embolden a culture of impunity among government officials.
“This is the first time in recent years that a minister has engaged in such open disrespect towards the Armed Forces, and it should not be tolerated,” he cautioned.
CISLAC further observed that Wike’s frequent outbursts and confrontational style reveal a troubling absence of emotional intelligence and discipline in governance. “There is a pressing need for the FCT Minister to demonstrate self-control and discipline in governance,” the statement continued. “His pattern of reckless public statements and actions must serve as a wake-up call. Managing emotions, desires, and behaviour responsibly is the hallmark of true leadership.”
The organisation urged the FCT Minister to publicly apologise to the affected officer, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and President Tinubu, reaffirming that “national security must always come first.”
“It is time for leadership that strengthens, not weakens, public trust in institutions,” CISLAC concluded. “The integrity of our Armed Forces and Nigeria’s international image demand nothing less.”
