A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer in Abuja over land dispute, describing it as a shameful reflection of Nigeria’s decaying governance culture and a dangerous signal for the nation’s democracy.
Frank said the incident, where a senior minister was captured publicly berating a uniformed officer during an enforcement exercise, was not just an act of poor judgment but a manifestation of the arrogance and moral decline that continue to define the Tinubu administration.
“This unfortunate episode goes beyond one man’s temperament. It represents a deeper rot in our leadership culture, one where power is exercised without restraint, and where political loyalty now outweighs accountability,” he said.
According to him, Wike’s conduct has consistently shown a disregard for due process, open hostility toward dissent, and a pattern of imperious behaviour unbecoming of a public officer.
“Since assuming office, Wike has carried on as though the FCT were his personal fiefdom. His abrasive style of governance, marked by disregard for court orders and contempt for opposition voices, makes a mockery of public service”, he added.
Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, expressed deep concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued silence on the matter, warning that failure to discipline the Minister would send a dangerous message that certain figures within government are “above the law.”
“President Tinubu’s refusal to publicly caution or reprimand Wike has emboldened impunity and reinforced the perception that political expediency comes before good governance.
“It tells Nigerians that loyalty to the President is more important than loyalty to the country”, Frank said.
He described the Naval officer’s calm and professional conduct as exemplary, urging the Nigerian Armed Forces and the public to commend the officer’s discipline and restraint.
“The Naval officer’s composure in the face of provocation reflects the highest ideals of service, patriotism, and respect for uniform.
“In any decent society, such conduct would earn him commendation, perhaps even national honours”, Frank emphasised.
He lamented that the Minister’s outburst and the President’s silence have once again embarrassed Nigeria before the international community.
“Incidents like this reinforce the unfortunate perception once voiced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria as a ‘disgraced country.’
“While Trump’s rhetoric was harsh, this kind of leadership failure gives weight to that label”, he said.
Frank warned that unchecked arrogance and impunity at the top threaten Nigeria’s democracy and further erode public trust in government institutions.
“A democracy cannot thrive where arrogance is rewarded and accountability ignored.
When Ministers act with impunity and the President looks away, it weakens the moral fabric of governance and invites chaos,” he cautioned.
He called on President Tinubu to take decisive action by publicly reprimanding Wike and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to discipline, humility, and respect for institutions.
“Authority must come with humility; enforcement must come with respect. Leadership is not intimidation. Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads between arrogance and accountability. The President’s silence cannot endure”, he said.
