Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), has criticized an alleged verbal confrontation between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a uniformed military officer in Abuja, describing the incident as a danger to national security and the integrity of national institutions.
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In a statement on Tuesday, Buratai said the event, which reportedly took place on November 11, undermined the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and could erode military morale. He emphasized that public disputes or disrespect directed at serving officers by political figures threaten the chain of command and could harm civil-military relations.
According to Buratai, a minister verbally assaulting a military officer represents a serious act of indiscipline that challenges the nation’s command and control structure. Such behavior weakens authority and poses a risk to national order.
He added that the Nigerian Armed Forces operate on strict hierarchy, respect for the uniform, and established communication protocols. Any action that diminishes these principles, he warned, could jeopardize national security.
Buratai further stressed that the incident should not be treated as mere political theatrics, highlighting that a military uniform symbolizes the authority of the Nigerian state and the sacrifices of those serving the country.
The former army chief urged Wike to issue an immediate and unequivocal public apology to President Bola Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief, to the Armed Forces, and to the officer involved.
