Northern Youth Assembly Condemns Wike’s Verbal Confrontation With Young Military Officer
The Northern Youth Assembly NYA (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), a coalition of young progressive voices across the 19 Northern States, has expressed its deep disappointment over the recent public confrontation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike against a young military officer in Abuja.
The coalition says it’s unfortunate, condemnable and reprehensible episode, which has gone viral across conventional and social media platforms, represents yet another manifestation of a pattern of arrogance, abuse of power, and disregard for decorum by a public official who ought to embody the values of leadership, humility, and service to humanity
In a statement signed by its President Dr. Ali Mohammed and Secretary General Dr. Abdulhafiz Garba, the Youth body says the Minister’s public humiliation of the young officer who was performing his lawful duty is not only unethical and tantamount to utter display of disregard for civility by Wike but also a direct affront on the Nigerian public service and to the millions of young citizens who look up to public officials and institutions for inspiration and emulation. Such behaviour is unbecoming of a serving minister in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has repeatedly promised a renewed sense of hope, inclusiveness, and professionalism in governance
The statement added that “Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Minister has displayed tendencies that undermine the dignity of public office. There are instances and situations where Wike has displayed untoward attitude in his public conduct viz:
Alleged persistent abuse of power and verbal intimidation of subordinates, contractors, and even elected officials has been widely reported since his assumption of office.
His alleged habit of politicising administrative matters, using his office for political vendetta rather than service delivery, has created tension and uncertainty within the FCT bureaucracy.
His public outbursts and confrontational statements against some leading political stakeholders have consistently dragged the image of the federal government in the bad light.
The alleged lack of transparency in recent demolitions and allocation of properties within the FCT has raised serious ethical questions, further eroding public confidence in his leadership.”
The Northern Youth Assembly emphasised that maturity and professionalism shall be shown by leaders.
” The Northern Youth Assembly believes that leadership in the 21st century, Nigeria must reflect maturity, restraint, and respect for due process, not the seeming arrogance and self-aggrandizement that have come to define Wike’s public persona. His conduct not only disrespects the uniformed institutions of the state, but also undermines the principles of accountability and civility that sustain democracy.”
The Organization also called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to terminate and remove Wike from office as FCT Minister so that strong message could be sent that impunity has no place in Nigeria.
