Tinubu Told Why He Cannot Remain Silent on Wike's Public Outburst with Naval Officer
- Timi Frank condemned President Tinubu’s silence over Wike’s public altercation with a Naval officer
- The former APC spokesman said Wike’s behaviour in office reflected arrogance and disregard for due process
- Frank praised the Naval officer’s restraint during the confrontation, describing his composure as patriotic and deserving of national recognition
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s silence over the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer in Abuja.
He said the incident exposed a troubling culture of impunity and moral decline in the current administration.
Source: Facebook
Frank described the encounter, where Wike was filmed publicly dressing down a uniformed officer during an enforcement exercise, as a disgraceful reflection of Nigeria’s governance decay and a dangerous precedent for democracy.
He said the altercation showed “how those in power now exercise authority without restraint and value political loyalty over accountability.”
Frank calls out leadership arrogance and impunity
The activist said Wike’s behaviour since assuming office has been marked by high-handedness and disregard for due process.
According to him, the minister has “carried on as though the FCT were his personal estate,” with a governance style that disrespects court orders and silences opposing voices.
Source: Facebook
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, warned that Tinubu’s silence sends a dangerous signal that some members of his cabinet are untouchable.
“President Tinubu’s refusal to caution or reprimand Wike has emboldened impunity and reinforced the belief that loyalty to the President outweighs loyalty to the nation,” he said.
Frank commends naval officer’s conduct
Frank praised the Naval officer for his restraint and professionalism, saying his composure represented the highest ideals of patriotism and discipline. He said the officer’s conduct “should earn him commendation, perhaps even national honours.”
He lamented that the minister’s outburst, coupled with the President’s silence, had embarrassed Nigeria before the international community.
“This kind of leadership failure gives weight to Donald Trump’s infamous description of Nigeria as a disgraced country,” he said.
Frank urged Tinubu to act swiftly by publicly reprimanding Wike and reaffirming his government’s commitment to humility and respect for institutions.
“Authority must come with humility; enforcement must come with respect. Leadership is not intimidation,” he stated.
“Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads between arrogance and accountability. The President’s silence cannot endure.”
Wike opens up after clash with soldiers
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nyesom Wike condemned the alleged illegal takeover of a disputed land in Abuja by military personnel allegedly acting on the orders of a former Chief of Naval Staff.
According to a statement on Tuesday, November 11, by Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister's spokesperson, obtained by Legit.ng, he described the actions of the soldiers as unacceptable and lawless.
Wike, who visited the site after reportedly receiving reports that soldiers drove away Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials enforcing development control directives, stated that no individual, regardless of their former position, would be allowed to intimidate government authorities or obstruct the enforcement of the law.
What led to Wike's clash with soldiers
Legit.ng earlier reported that a video showing a heated exchange between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a soldier on November 11, 2025, has sparked public interest.
New details have shed light on what likely triggered the confrontation, according to Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to the minister, who commented on the incident.
Source: Legit.ng
