Wike-Naval Officer Clash Reflects Nigeria’s Deepening Institutional Decay — Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has described the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer as a clear reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional decay.

Obi made this known in a statement titled “Wike versus Naval Officer: A Lesson for National Reflection,” posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.

He condemned the confrontation as a needless national embarrassment and a symptom of a “disgraced country,” questioning why military personnel are frequently deployed for civil operations and why some top government officials act outside institutional boundaries.

The former Anambra State governor warned that such incidents erode public trust and weaken governance, emphasizing the importance of restraint, due process, and respect for institutions.

“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment—a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country,’” Obi said.

He posed several questions for national reflection, including whether the military should be involved in purely civil matters, and whether ministers should intervene in such situations in a “disorderly manner.” He also raised concerns about the blurring of lines between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies.

Obi stressed that when public officials act beyond institutional norms and when security agencies operate outside professional limits, both governance and public confidence suffer.

He urged leaders to act with humility, restraint, and respect for the rule of law, adding that public officials must embody the dignity their offices demand.

“A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process,” Obi said.

He reiterated that titles such as His Excellency, Distinguished, or Honourable should reflect not only one’s office but also character and conduct, both in and out of power.