In a bold defense of democratic principles, former lawmaker Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma has declared that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, wasn’t merely fighting over a piece of land—he was upholding the very foundation of civilian supremacy that democracy stands on. But here’s where it gets controversial: Oghuma’s statement shines a spotlight on the tense relationship between civilian authority and military power, a dynamic that often sparks heated debate.
Speaking from Benin City, Oghuma condemned the actions of the military officer involved, labeling the behavior as a betrayal of both discipline and duty. He emphasized that the uniform, a revered national symbol, should never be wielded as a tool for impunity or to undermine the law it’s sworn to protect. And this is the part most people miss: When armed personnel intimidate civil authorities or obstruct lawful processes, it’s not just an abuse of power—it’s a direct challenge to the core of civilian governance.
Oghuma argued that the officer’s actions desecrated the honor of the institution they represented, turning a professional duty into a personal enforcer role in a land dispute. He stressed, “The rule of law must remain supreme. Whether ministers, soldiers, or civilians, we are all bound by the same legal framework.” He called for transparency, urging the FCTA to publish full documentation on the disputed land, and for the Defence authorities to reaffirm their commitment to non-interference in civil matters.
Here’s the kicker: Oghuma suggested that if this incident leads to disciplinary action, public accountability, and renewed respect for due process, it could mark a turning point for governance in Abuja. “The capital should be a model of lawful order,” he said, “where even those in uniform bow to the authority of law.”
Minister Wike’s response, Oghuma noted, wasn’t just a personal reaction but a necessary assertion of civil authority over unlawful force. The FCT Administration’s constitutional power to regulate land ownership and urban development must be respected—if it’s not, the entire structure of urban administration risks collapsing into chaos. Wike’s insistence that “no one is above the law” is both timely and crucial.
However, the incident also highlights a pressing issue: the need for better coordination between civilian and military institutions. Disputes involving government land or military establishments should be resolved through inter-agency channels, not confrontations at construction sites. The Defence Headquarters must take disciplinary action against the officer involved, not just to restore public confidence but to reaffirm the military’s role as an institution of discipline, not disorder.
The Nigerian public holds the military in high regard for its sacrifices, but such respect is fragile. Deploying soldiers in unauthorized capacities sends a dangerous message—that power can be used to subvert justice. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the military’s involvement in civil disputes a one-off incident, or does it reveal a deeper systemic issue? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
