The Convener of #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies, Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, has condemned physical and verbal attack on a uniformed naval officer by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Fatile, in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos, said the incident, which reportedly occurred during an inspection visit to a construction site in the Gaduwa District of the FCT, was “a direct affront to the honour and integrity of Nigeria’s military institution.”
She said it is unacceptable for any public official, regardless of rank or office, to publicly humiliate or physically assault any member of the Armed Forces, whose duty is to defend the nation’s sovereignty and uphold law and order.
She said: “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate video circulating on social media showing the Minister of the FCT engaging in a heated altercation with a naval officer performing his lawful duties. This act not only undermines the morale of our security personnel but also sends a dangerous signal that political authority can trample on institutional discipline and national honour.”
Fatile called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Minister to order and demand a public apology to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the officer involved, who was identified as Lieutenant A.M. Yerima.
She commended the officer’s composure and professional restraint during the confrontation, noting that his conduct reflected the discipline and respect that define the Nigerian Navy.
“Lieutenant Yerima acted in the most disciplined and dignified manner expected of a professional officer. While others might have reacted emotionally, he upheld the military code of conduct and protected the image of the Armed Forces. Such conduct deserves commendation, not humiliation,” she said.
The convener further stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies deserve utmost respect and moral support from all Nigerians, particularly political leaders, given their sacrifices in safeguarding the country from insecurity and other threats.
She urged civil society organizations, religious leaders, and citizens to stand in solidarity with the military, warning that demoralizing the nation’s defenders could weaken Nigeria’s overall security framework.
“Our campaign, #Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies, is built on promoting mutual respect between civilians and security operatives. We therefore condemn any form of assault, provocation, or intimidation directed at those in uniform. National leaders must lead by example in promoting civility and institutional respect,”
— Fatile emphasized.
She reaffirmed her organization’s continued commitment to fostering unity, prayers, and public support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies nationwide.
