When the Military Clashes with Civil Authority: A Critical Examination of The FCT Minister Versus a Naval Officer

Authors

  • Linus Oluchukwu Akudolu Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Chukwuemeka Peter Iloanya Department of Philosophy Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
  • Francis C. Ofoegbu Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Celestine Edozie Anyaorah Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Edward Ajanwachukwu Okoro Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Solomon Eyesan Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Stephen Oshiomah Aigbonoga Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2111-0938
  • Charles Osa Emokpae Department of Theater Ars, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Vitalis Chukwuemeka Ugwu Department of Philosophy Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55284/xk8x0q57

Keywords:

Civil military relations, Land governance, Lt. A.M Yerima, Ministerial conduct, Naval officer, Nyesom wike, Rule of law in Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper critically examines the altercation that occurred on 11th November 2025 between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a naval officer of the Nigerian Navy, Lt. A.M. Yerima, in the Gaduwa District of Abuja. The incident involved a contested land plot and escalated into a verbal confrontation, highlighting tensions between civilian authority and the armed forces. Using a qualitative social research approach, the study draws on media reports, video evidence, legal texts, and scholarly literature to critically assess the actions of the minister, the senior officer who issued orders to the naval personnel, and the junior naval officer. Findings suggest that while the minister’s mandate was legitimate, his method and tone breached institutional decorum; the senior officer exhibited poor judgment in deploying military personnel to a civil land dispute; and the junior naval officer displayed commendable professional restraint by insisting on obeying lawful orders. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen civil‑military boundaries, land governance, and institutional protocols.

Published

2025-11-21

Issue

Vol. 2025 No. 5 (2025)

Section

Articles