By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed concern over the recent exchange between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a uniformed military officer during a land enforcement exercise in Abuja.

The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread reactions and renewed conversations about the need to maintain respectful civil–military relations.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED said the widely circulated footage has stirred national debate and raised fresh questions about public conduct and respect for Nigeria’s institutions.

The organisation noted that many Nigerians have been discussing the broader implications of the encounter, especially its potential impact on public confidence in governance and institutional processes.

“CHRICED is appalled by the Minister’s reckless display of arrogance, verbal abuse, and blatant disregard for the dignity of a serving military officer,” Zikirullahi stated.

CHRICED added that the incident surfaced at a time when the country is contending with insecurity and fragile institutions, making the reactions it has generated even more significant.

“In a country grappling with insecurity and institutional decay, such conduct by a high-ranking public official is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” the organisation stated.

The group also referenced earlier comments by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), saying his remarks underline the seriousness with which issues affecting national stability should be viewed.

“We align with the concerns raised by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), who rightly described the Minister’s behaviour as a ‘clear and present danger to national security,’” Zikirullahi added.

CHRICED commended the military officer involved in the incident, noting that his calm response reflected the discipline and professionalism expected within the Armed Forces.

“The officer in question, by maintaining composure and professionalism in the face of provocation, demonstrated the very values of restraint and discipline that our leaders should emulate,” Zikirullahi said.

The organisation stressed that public officials have a responsibility to uphold democratic values and show respect for the institutions they serve, adding that the episode reinforces the need for accountability and responsible leadership.

CHRICED also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the concerns seriously and demonstrate leadership that reassures Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to discipline and institutional respect.

“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action… The question now is whether President Tinubu will summon the courage to do what is necessary, to rise above political loyalties and act in the national interest,” Zikirullahi said.

The organisation urged civil society groups, the National Assembly, and the wider public to remain vocal on issues affecting governance and the strength of national institutions.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who lead with integrity, not those who degrade the offices they occupy,” he added.