(An Insightful Feature on Leadership, Law, and the Lessons from Wike’s FCT Drama)
Introduction: The Drama That Shook Abuja
In a country where leadership often plays out like a Nollywood blockbuster, Nigeria witnessed another riveting episode — a face-off between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer during an inspection exercise. The scene was dramatic: Wike, known for his fiery temperament and bulldozer approach, allegedly barked “Get out, you are a fool!” at a soldier standing guard. Ironically, it was the minister who eventually turned and walked away, while the officer stood his ground with calm dignity — an image that has since gone viral across the nation.
The incident has sparked a storm of opinions. Some hail Wike’s boldness as a mark of authority; others commend the soldier’s composure as a symbol of restraint and discipline. Beyond the noise, however, lies a deeper reflection on law, leadership, and the limits of power.
Wike’s Style: Bulldozing Through Abuja’s Bureaucracy
Since assuming office as FCT Minister, Wike has operated like a man on a mission. His aggressive approach to demolitions, land reclamations, and urban renewal projects has earned him both praise and criticism. To some, he is “Mr. Action” who gets results. To others, he is a political strongman whose methods mirror thuggery in the name of order.
Land matters in the FCT are delicate. The Land Use Act of 1978 vests ownership of all land in the state governor or, in the case of the Federal Capital Territory, the President of Nigeria, who acts through the Minister of the FCT. Thus, while Wike indeed has administrative control, the exercise of such power is subject to due process and rule of law.
In this case, if military land was involved, decorum and procedure demanded that he should have notified the Ministry of Defence or obtained a court order for enforcement — not engage in public confrontation. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Leadership requires not only authority but also emotional intelligence.
The Legal Framework: Who Can Give Orders to the Military?
Nigeria operates under a chain of command structure, both in civil administration and in the armed forces. The Minister of Defence oversees the military, reporting to the President and Commander-in-Chief. Therefore, no civilian minister, including the FCT Minister, has the power to directly command or rebuke an armed officer on duty.
According to Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the military is established “to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain its territorial integrity, and aid civil authorities when called upon.” The key phrase is “when called upon.” It underscores that civil authorities must follow due process before engaging or confronting military personnel.
Thus, the expected order should have been:
- FCT Minister writes to the Minister of Defence.
- The Defence Minister communicates with the Chief of Defence Staff.
- The CDS then directs the relevant service chief to act.
Had that been followed, the confrontation could have been avoided — proving that respect for order prevents disorder.
The Silent War: Police, Soldiers, and the Chain of Authority
Nigeria’s history is littered with clashes between the Police and the Military, often over questions of jurisdiction, ego, and respect. The 2002 Odi saga, the 2019 Taraba incident, and several other cases show how power struggles between uniformed agencies can lead to tragic outcomes.
The police are empowered to handle civil issues, while the military deals with national defence and security emergencies. Land disputes, by law, are civil matters to be settled through administrative or judicial channels — not through confrontation or intimidation.
Proverbs 16:32 says, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Leadership is not proven in how loudly one shouts, but in how wisely one handles power.
The People’s Verdict: A Soldier’s Calm, A Minister’s Storm
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly sympathetic to the soldier. In an era when many in uniform misuse authority, his restraint was refreshing. Nigerians crowned him humorously as the “Youth President,” a symbol of courage wrapped in humility.
Meanwhile, Wike’s outburst reopened old debates about arrogance in leadership. Nigerians, weary of political bullying, saw the event as a metaphor — a clash between authority and accountability, power and protocol, ego and ethics.
In the words of a Yoruba adage, “It is not strength that dethrones a king, but the wrong use of words.” The minister’s language, not his mission, became the controversy.
Lessons for Leaders in All Spheres
- Respect Chain of Command: Even in authority, recognize boundaries. Leadership without restraint becomes tyranny.
- Follow Due Process: Every action must align with the law. Skipping procedure invites chaos.
- Control the Tongue: Words can build or destroy. Proverbs 18:21 declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
- Humility in Power: A true leader is not known by how he commands others, but by how he conducts himself before them.
- Institutional Synergy: Collaboration among ministries, security agencies, and civil structures ensures national harmony.
- Public Decorum: Leaders are mirrors of their institutions; a public insult on a uniformed officer weakens institutional respect.
Reflections: The Drama Beyond the Scene
Nigeria is a land of drama and resilience — where politics sometimes feels like theatre, and leadership, like performance art. Yet, amid the laughter and memes, there are sobering truths. Governance is not about showmanship but service; not about dominance but dignity.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 warns, “If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.” The soldier’s calm in the storm reminds us that discipline is strength, and silence can be louder than shouting.
Conclusion: When Power Meets Protocol
The Abuja incident between Wike and the military officer is more than political entertainment — it’s a leadership mirror. It reveals how easily authority can slip into arrogance when not tempered by humility. The law exists not to limit leaders, but to protect them from themselves.
In the end, as the dust settles, one lesson echoes through the corridors of governance, the barracks, and the streets:
“Power is a visitor; wisdom is a companion. The one who leads with wisdom will never lose his throne.”
