Dare Babalola
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent altercation between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, describing it as a “national embarrassment” and a reflection of Nigeria’s growing institutional disorder.
Obi, via a post on his social media pages on Wednesday, stated that the incident is a typical example of the country’s institutional decay, where routine civic encounters are often blown out of proportion.
He lamented the blurring of lines between administrative authority and security agencies’ duties, questioning the deployment of military personnel for purely civil operations.
The former presidential candidate emphasised the importance of leadership, discipline, and respect for the rule of law, urging public officials to exercise humility and restraint.
He called for national reflection on the values of discipline, restraint, and respect for due process, stressing that a country aspiring to greatness must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law and order.
Obi’s statement read partly, “The recent needless altercation between the FCT Minister, HE, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer is yet another unfortunate reflection of the growing institutional disorder in our country.
“What should ordinarily be a routine civic encounter has, once again, become a national embarrassment — a typical example coming out of a ‘disgraced country.'”
“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.
“A country that aspires to greatness and feels insulted when referred to as a disgraced nation must replace the culture of impunity with the discipline of law, order, and respect for due process,” he added.
