A former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has publicly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following Wike’s denial of allegedly insulting a Naval officer during a confrontation over a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The exchange has sparked widespread debate, with several political and military observers weighing in on the matter.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, 11 November, when Wike visited a site said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff. He claimed the land had been wrongfully acquired and demanded that any ongoing construction activities be halted immediately. The move was part of what Wike described as an effort to address alleged illegal land acquisition in the FCT.
Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima and a team of officers were deployed to the site to ensure security and protect workers on location. This presence led to a heated verbal exchange between Wike and the Naval officer, drawing attention from both media personnel and the public. Witnesses described the encounter as tense, with emotions running high on both sides.
Wike’s Recorded Outburst Sparks Criticism
During the confrontation, Wike was recorded shouting at Lieutenant Yerima, with remarks including: “Shut up your mouth, who does that? Will you keep quiet? Are you a big fool? You are a big fool.” These statements quickly went viral on social media, attracting condemnation from military personnel, security analysts, and members of the public. Critics argued that Wike’s language disrespected the Armed Forces and undermined the authority of uniformed officers.
Following the backlash, Wike addressed the issue during a press conference on Thursday, 14 November, denying that he had insulted the officer. He insisted that his words had been misinterpreted and emphasized that he has always respected and supported the military. Wike maintained that he would never demean any member of the security services.
Wike Defends His Position
“Some people said I said the boy ‘you are a fool’. What I meant was this, you cannot be carrying out an illegal order, that is what I meant. I didn’t say ‘the military, you are a fool’,” Wike explained. He clarified that his criticism was directed at the officer’s specific actions, not the institution he represents.
Wike went on to highlight his longstanding support for security agencies, noting that he values their sacrifices and contributions to national security. He also compared the situation to a university professor misusing his position of authority, saying that such individuals do not deserve the respect or title that comes with their role. According to Wike, the Naval officer’s behavior was inappropriate for someone in his position and warranted his response.
Melaye Fires Back
In reaction to Wike’s denial, Dino Melaye mocked the Minister’s attempt to retract his earlier statements. Melaye’s comment quickly gained traction on social media, reflecting public skepticism over Wike’s claims.
“With eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege,” Melaye tweeted, highlighting the perceived inconsistency between Wike’s public denial and his earlier recorded statements. His remark was widely shared and sparked further discussions on accountability and public conduct among political leaders.
The exchange has since become a trending topic, with political commentators analyzing both the implications of Wike’s actions and Melaye’s pointed criticism. Observers note that the incident underscores the challenges of public office, the importance of measured communication, and the scrutiny public officials face when interacting with security personnel.
Watch the video here…
With Eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege. pic.twitter.com/XqLfT9HBkm
— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) November 14, 2025
The incident has drawn national attention, with citizens and social media users debating the responsibilities of leaders when handling disputes, particularly those involving law enforcement and the military. It also raises broader questions about respect, communication, and accountability in public service, which are likely to remain central in discussions about Wike’s actions in the coming days.