Defence Minister Matawalle Defends Soldier in Clash with Wike, Says Officer ‘Only Obeyed Lawful Orders’

 

Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, has faulted the altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a military officer, stressing that the soldier committed no offence under military law.

Speaking on the incident, Matawalle said the officer acted within the bounds of discipline and obedience to command, describing his conduct as “lawful and commendable.”

“There is, therefore, no offence under military law for which he should be charged. Wike should not have engaged him in an altercation, especially out of respect for the uniform he was wearing,” the Defence Minister said.

“Anyone who disrespects a soldier indirectly disrespects the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

 

There is, therefore, no basis for any punishment against the officer,” he added.

Matawalle emphasized that the issue was not about condoning disrespect toward civilians, but about upholding the chain of command.

“The Minister should understand that every officer has superiors. I gathered that he called the Chief of Defence Staff, who advised him to wait for an investigation,” Matawalle explained.

“However, he did not wait and instead went straight to the site. As a leader, he ought to have exercised patience and waited for the outcome of the investigation,” he stated.

According to Matawalle, Wike also reached out to the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that an inquiry would be conducted, yet he proceeded to the scene.

“It was supposed to be a one-day inquiry, but he chose to go there and confront them,” the Minister said, describing the incident as “unfortunate.”

The Defence Minister maintained that the officer on duty was simply carrying out lawful instructions.

“The officer explained that he was only obeying orders. Wike should not have exchanged words with him but addressed his concerns through the officer’s superiors,” he said.

“He (Wike) is our colleague, and he could have reached out to us to resolve whatever issue. The officer’s action was lawful—he was trained to be disciplined, loyal, and obedient to orders. Therefore, the young officer only carried out his duty worthy of commendation.”

Matawalle concluded that the officer’s behaviour reflected professionalism and respect.

“He did not commit any offence under military regulations; he merely obeyed a lawful order and followed due process. If you observe carefully, he spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly,” he said.