I Wouldn’t Have Said The Military Is A Fool. I know Their Rules — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified remarks he made during an altercation with a naval officer amid an ongoing dispute involving a piece of land in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, Wike addressed public reactions to a video of the confrontation, insisting that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

According to him, his criticism was directed at the illegality of the officer’s actions, not at the Nigerian military as an institution.

In his words, “Some people will say I said ‘the boy, you are a fool.’ What I meant was this — you can’t be carrying out an illegal order — that’s what I meant. I didn’t say military you are a fool. I wouldn’t have said that. I wouldn’t have. I know the rule of the military.”

The clash reportedly occurred when Wike visited the disputed land and questioned the presence and resistance of naval personnel stationed there.

The FCT Administration, he said, will continue to intervene wherever public property or legal procedures are being undermined.

The Nigerian Defence minister has however drummed support for Naval officer Lt. AM Yerima. Noting that he acted right.