Peter Obi Reacts to Wike–Naval Officer Clash, Calls for Restoration of Institutional Discipline and Respect for Due Process
By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria — Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, has weighed in on the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja, describing it as “yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country.”
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Obi lamented that what should have been “a routine civic encounter” had turned into a “national embarrassment,” portraying Nigeria as a “disgraced country.”
According to the former Anambra State governor, the incident goes beyond the personalities involved and points to deeper structural issues that continue to undermine Nigeria’s institutions and governance ethos.
> “Should the military be used for purely civil operations? If proper protocols were in place, should a Minister’s intervention in such a matter be in such an indecorous manner?” Obi queried.
He further asked why clear boundaries between administrative authority and the duties of security agencies have become blurred, stressing that the recurring trend of public officials overstepping institutional limits erodes public confidence and weakens governance structures.
> “Why are our men and women in uniform so often drawn into civilian disputes? Why has the culture of due process and civility given way to public spectacle and confrontation?” he continued.
Obi emphasized that incidents like this send the wrong signal to the younger generation about leadership, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.
He urged leaders at all levels to embrace humility and restraint, noting that true governance is about service and respect for institutions, not personal power or prestige.
> “We must learn from this episode. It is time to rebuild a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where public office is exercised with humility and restraint; where the dignity of our uniformed officers and the rights of every citizen are upheld,” he stated.
Obi reiterated his long-standing call for a reorientation of Nigeria’s political culture, stressing that a nation aspiring to greatness must replace the culture of impunity with respect for law and due process.
> “Repeatedly, I have maintained that to occupy an office and be referred to as His Excellency, Distinguished or Honourable, how we get to such an office and our character and behaviour while holding it or out of it should reflect such exemplary titles in all ramifications,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Obi reaffirmed his optimism about the nation’s future, declaring, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
