The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has released a cryptic social media post following the clash between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and military personnel.
In a flyer published on X on Tuesday, the DHQ stated that it is an honour to serve in the Nigerian military.
“IT IS AN HONOUR TO SERVE IN THE NIGERIAN MILITARY. UNSHAKEN. UNBENT. UNBROKEN,” the flyer reads in bold letters.
Earlier on Tuesday, Wike engaged in a heated exchange with military personnel at the site of a disputed plot of land in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to the minister, when officials of the department of development control in his ministry went to enforce his directive, they were chased away by armed soldiers allegedly acting under the instruction of a retired senior officer.
“I was informed that the soldiers of the military had to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said.
“Today, while I was in the office, I was called again that the military had taken over the place. I had to come myself to see things. It’s really unfortunate.”
The minister was captured in viral videos confronting a naval officer as tensions escalated.
During the exchange, Wike ordered the officer to be quiet, but the soldier retorted, sparking a verbal confrontation.
Speaking with the officers, the minister demanded to see the documents granting ownership of the land.
“Show me the documents you have. You have no documents. We cannot continue to act with such impunity,” Wike had said.
“Where is the approval? This cannot go on. How is it that a man at his level cannot meet me, but instead sends soldiers to intimidate people? We are all from this country.”
The incident has stirred debate on civil-military relations in Nigeria’s democracy.
On the same day, Tukur Buratai, former chief of army staff, urged Wike to apologise to the officer involved and to President Bola Tinubu for the “verbal assault.”