Timi Frank condemns Wike’s face-off with naval officer, asks Tinubu to caution FCT minister

Timi Frank, former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over his public altercation with a naval officer in Abuja.

On Tuesday, viral videos showed Wike being stopped by military personnel from accessing a disputed plot of land.

In the footage, Wike was seen stepping in to defuse the situation, separating his security detail from the soldiers as tensions escalated.

Speaking with the officers, the minister demanded to see the approval granted to the owners of the land.

An officer, who led the group, told Wike that his men were not intimidating anyone, stating that the landowner had all the necessary documents.

In a statement on Thursday, Frank said the confrontation reflected “the arrogance and moral decline that continue to define the Tinubu administration”.

He described the incident as “a shameful reflection of Nigeria’s decaying governance culture” and “a dangerous signal for the nation’s democracy”.

“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.

The former APC spokesman accused Wike of acting “as though the FCT were his personal fiefdom”, alleging that his abrasive leadership style and disregard for court orders have “made a mockery of public service”.

Frank also faulted President Bola Tinubu for keeping silent on the matter.

He said the president’s refusal to caution Wike would embolden impunity and send a dangerous message that “some individuals in government are above the law”.

“President Tinubu’s refusal to publicly reprimand Wike has reinforced the perception that political expediency comes before good governance,” he said.

Frank commended the naval officer for exercising restraint and displaying professionalism, describing his conduct as “the highest example of discipline and patriotism”.

“In any decent society, such composure would earn him commendation, perhaps even national honours,” he said.

Frank urged Tinubu to publicly caution Wike and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to discipline, humility, and respect for institutions.

“Authority must come with humility; enforcement must come with respect,” he said.