Judul : Wike's Naval Conflict Unnecessary, Says Minister
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Wike's Naval Conflict Unnecessary, Says Minister
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The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called Tuesday's clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lieutenant A. Yerima, regarding a claimed land conflict, as unnecessary and preventable.
PUNCH Online previously stated that the conflict stemmed from a dispute regarding the ownership of a plot of land in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, which is protected by armed naval personnel under the leadership of Yerima, who was reportedly following instructions from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retired).
Wike has alleged that the former naval commander unlawfully took over the land, as captured in a video acquired by The PUNCH, depicting the visibly upset FCT minister facing the officer.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, posted on its YouTube channel on Wednesday, Matawalle mentioned that the situation could have been handled through formal procedures instead of a public discussion.
He disclosed that Wike had previously reached out to both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who recommended that he let the military handle the investigation before proceeding with any steps.
"The incident involving Minister Wike and the officer is regrettable. Upon arriving, the officer stated he was merely following instructions. Wike should not have spoken to the officer directly; instead, he should have raised his issues with the officer's superior," the minister mentioned.
Matawalle stated that Yerima followed orders closely and displayed a professional and well-ordered approach during the interaction.
"He (Wike) is our colleague, and Wike had the opportunity to contact us to address any problem. The officer's conduct was legal as he received training in discipline, loyalty, and following instructions. Hence, the young officer simply performed his job, deserving recognition," he said.
He stated that the officer did not breach any military regulation and behaved appropriately.
"He did not violate any military rules; he simply followed a legal command and adhered to proper procedures. If you pay close attention, he spoke with respect and behaved appropriately," Matawalle added.
The official also warned government employees not to show disrespect toward military personnel, emphasizing that such behavior weakens the President's authority, who serves as the head of the armed forces.
"Therefore, there is no violation under military law that warrants his prosecution. Wike should not have confronted him, particularly considering the respect due to the uniform he was wearing. Anyone who shows disrespect to a soldier is, in effect, showing disrespect to the President, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Hence, there is no justification for any penalty against the officer," he stated.
Matawalle explained that his statements did not constitute support for military disorder but served as a reminder of the significance of adhering to the chain of command.
"This isn't about endorsing the military to behave improperly towards civilians. The Minister needs to realize that each officer has higher-ups. I learned that he contacted the Chief of Defence Staff, who told him to wait for an investigation," he explained.
He revealed that Wike dismissed the recommendation and chose to face the officers directly at the location.
"Nevertheless, he did not wait and immediately proceeded to the location. As a leader, he should have shown patience and awaited the results of the inquiry," Matawalle stated.
The Defense Minister mentioned that the Chief of Naval Staff had also promised Wike that an investigation would take place, but the FCT Minister still visited the site.
"Wike also reached out to the Chief of Naval Staff, who promised him that an investigation would take place. Once more, he did not hold back. What was meant to be a one-day review, he decided to attend in person and face them," he mentioned.
Matawalle stated that the Chief of Naval Staff has already inspected the contested area to initiate an official inquiry regarding the land's ownership.
"Now that the Chief of Naval Staff has been to the region—because it pertains to a land conflict—the issue will be looked into to determine who holds the legitimate paperwork," he stated.
He emphasized that any cancellation of the land should have been handled via appropriate administrative and diplomatic channels instead of through conflict.
"If the territory has been taken back, there are set protocols to be adhered to through diplomatic means," Matawalle said.
The minister revealed that although the Ministry of Defence has not yet received an official complaint from Wike regarding the incident, he personally contacted the FCT Minister following the video's widespread circulation.
"We haven't gotten any official complaint from Wike, but I called him after the video became popular and told him he should have discussed it with me first instead of facing the officers directly," Matawalle added.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).Thus the article Wike's Naval Conflict Unnecessary, Says Minister
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