Another Minister Throws Wike Under the Bus: Matawalle Defends Naval Officer, Faults FCT Minister's Action

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has openly disagreed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his recent confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja, insisting that there is no justification to punish the officer involved in the incident.

Matawalle, who spoke during an interview with DCL Hausa, said the clash between Wike and Lieutenant A. Yerima was "unnecessary and avoidable,ÔÇØ stressing that the naval officer was only carrying out lawful orders from his superiors and should instead be commended for professionalism.

The confrontation, which took place at a disputed land in Gaduwa District of Abuja, sparked controversy after a viral video showed Wike angrily questioning Yerima and his team of naval personnel guarding the property reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).

In the viral clip, Wike accused the retired naval chief of illegally taking over the land, while Yerima calmly maintained his ground, explaining that he was only executing instructions from above.

But in a surprising twist, Matawalle faulted Wike's approach, saying the FCT Minister should have handled the matter through official channels instead of engaging in a public altercation.

"When Wike arrived at the site, the officer clearly explained that he was obeying orders. The Minister should not have exchanged words with him; he ought to have contacted the officer's superiors,ÔÇØ Matawalle stated.

The Defence Minister emphasized that the young officer acted with discipline, loyalty, and respect, adding that his conduct during the confrontation showed maturity.

"The officer was lawful and professional in his actions. He did not violate any military code of conduct. In fact, he deserves commendation for remaining calm and respectful throughout the encounter,ÔÇØ he added.

Matawalle warned against the disrespect of military uniforms by public officials, stressing that attacking men in uniform amounts to undermining the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President. There is no offence under military law for which that officer should be punished,ÔÇØ he said firmly.

He further revealed that the Chief of Naval Staff has already visited the disputed site to begin an official investigation into the ownership of the land, assuring that the matter would be resolved through proper administrative procedures.

The Minister also disclosed that despite the public uproar, Wike never filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Defence regarding the incident.

"We have not received any formal report from Wike, but I personally called him after the video went viral. I advised him to speak with me first before confronting the officers,ÔÇØ Matawalle disclosed.

The Defence Minister concluded by advising government officials to exercise restraint and respect established protocol in their dealings with members of the armed forces.

"As leaders, we must learn patience. There are proper channels for addressing grievances. No issue should justify a public clash between ministers,ÔÇØ Matawalle warned.

This latest development has fueled speculation of growing discontent within President Tinubu's cabinet, as Matawalle's comments come barely days after other senior officials reportedly distanced themselves from Wike's style of administration in the FCT.

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