The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has described the recent altercation between Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and a naval officer as an “unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder” in Nigeria.
Earlier in the week, a viral video circulated online showing Wike in a tense exchange with a military officer at a disputed site in Abuja. In the footage, Wike intervened to separate his security aides from the soldiers as tensions heightened, demanding to see the approval documents for the land in question.
A soldier, who appeared to be in charge, maintained that no intimidation had taken place, saying the landowner had all necessary papers.
“On the contrary, sir, we are not intimidating anybody. The papers are complete, and he said he has submitted them,” the soldier stated.
Reacting in a post on Wednesday, Obi lamented that the incident underscores the growing erosion of institutional order and respect for administrative boundaries in the country.
“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 wrote.
He questioned why military personnel continue to be drawn into civil matters, why proper protocols are often ignored, and why public officials engage in confrontations that undermine the decorum expected of their offices.
Obi emphasized that the recurring misuse of authority and disregard for institutional norms weaken governance and erode public trust.
He called for reflection on how such incidents shape the perception of leadership and rule of law among younger generations, stressing the need to rebuild institutions that are stronger than individuals.
“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 added.
He reiterated that true leadership should reflect humility, integrity, and respect for institutions, both in and out of office.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru stated that the federal government and military authorities would continue to protect soldiers carrying out lawful duties.
The controversy comes weeks after US President Donald Trump referred to Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” while criticizing its handling of alleged Christian persecution.