A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has reacted strongly to the recent confrontation between a soldier and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during an inspection in Abuja. The incident, which has been circulating widely on social media, has sparked major discussions among Nigerians, especially regarding discipline within the military and respect for constituted authority.
Joe Igbokwe, known for his outspoken nature, condemned the soldier’s behaviour and described it as unacceptable and embarrassing. According to him, no uniformed officer has the right to challenge or obstruct a serving minister who is carrying out his official duties.
Igbokwe said the military is a respected institution, and its uniforms symbolize discipline, responsibility, and national duty. He stressed that any officer who fails to uphold these values should not remain in the force. In his words, “This is unacceptable. His uniform should be removed.” He insisted that the soldier’s action was a violation of both protocol and professional ethics.
What Happened During the Incident
The confrontation reportedly occurred when Wike visited a disputed land area in Abuja where soldiers were said to have been preventing officials of the Department of Development Control from carrying out enforcement. Earlier reports had indicated that these officials were trying to stop an illegal construction on a land that has no valid approval from the FCT Administration.
Wike had received complaints that armed soldiers were blocking the FCTA team, allegedly acting on the instructions of a retired military chief. When he arrived at the location, a soldier reportedly tried to stop him and insisted that work on the site would continue. This led to a heated exchange between the minister and the soldier.
Wike, visibly angry, reminded the soldiers that they had no authority to interfere with FCTA enforcement activities, especially when there were no approved documents for the land. He also questioned why soldiers should be involved in civil matters at all, let alone obstruct lawful government officials.
Joe Igbokwe’s Reaction
Joe Igbokwe reacted shortly after videos and reports of the incident spread online. He described the soldier’s conduct as a clear case of indiscipline and insubordination. According to him, Nigeria cannot tolerate a situation where uniformed officers begin to intimidate government officials or act as if they are above the law.
He said the military must set a strong example and ensure that soldiers who misuse their positions are disciplined immediately. Igbokwe argued that such actions, if not addressed, could encourage lawlessness and weaken the rule of law in the country.
He stressed that soldiers are trained to defend the nation, not to interfere with government authorities who are working to maintain order.
Public Reactions
Nigerians have been reacting differently to the development. Some people supported Wike’s tough position and said he was right to confront the soldier. They argued that the FCT Minister was doing his job and should never be stopped by anyone acting without legal authority.
Others blamed the military personnel involved and said they must have felt protected by the retired naval officer who allegedly gave the order. Many people also said that the military must stay away from land disputes and civil matters, especially when those issues fall under the responsibility of the FCTA.
However, some Nigerians questioned Wike’s tone during the incident, saying that the exchange could have been handled more calmly. They argued that although the soldier was wrong, government officials also need to maintain composure during tense situations.
Military Protocol in Civil Matters
Security experts have also weighed in on the issue. They noted that soldiers are not allowed to intervene in civil matters unless they have direct authorization from their superiors or are called in to support other security agencies during emergencies.
In normal circumstances, land disputes, building approvals, and development control activities are handled by the FCTA, the police, civil defence, and related agencies—not the military.
Analysts say the involvement of soldiers in this case raises serious questions about misuse of military influence by retired officers. It also highlights the need for better communication between civilian authorities and the armed forces.
Wike’s Position on the Matter
Wike has repeatedly stated that he will not allow illegal development, land grabbing, or abuse of power in the Federal Capital Territory. He has also warned that the FCTA will continue to reclaim any land that was acquired without due process.
According to him, Abuja must be governed by rules, and no individual—whether serving or retired—will be allowed to intimidate government officials. He expressed disappointment that soldiers could act in such a manner without proper documentation or approval for the land in question.
The minister said he has spoken to both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff about the incident. He added that they assured him that the matter would be investigated and resolved according to military procedures.
Call for Investigation
Following the confrontation, many Nigerians, including Joe Igbokwe, are calling for a full investigation to determine who deployed the soldiers and why they interfered with FCTA operations.
Igbokwe stressed that the military must act quickly to discipline anyone found guilty, to protect the integrity of the uniform and maintain public trust.
He added that Nigeria’s democracy cannot function properly if government officials are obstructed in their duties by individuals using undue influence or military connections.
What Happens Next
It is expected that the military high command will review the incident and take necessary actions. If the claims are established, the soldier involved may face disciplinary hearings, and the retired officer who allegedly issued the order could also be questioned.
For now, the Abuja public continues to monitor the situation, as the incident has become one of the most discussed topics in the nation’s capital this week.
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