600 Civil Groups Back Ex-Army Chief, Urge Tinubu to Sack Wike

Over 600 civil society organisations have joined voices calling for the immediate sack of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Their demand follows his recent outburst against a naval officer during an official visit in Abuja.

The coalition, under the banner of the Good Governance Network (GGN), described Wike’s actions as “unacceptable and reckless,” adding that his conduct undermines the Nigerian Armed Forces and disrespects the authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief.

In their joint communiqué signed by Comrade Usman Danladi, the groups said:

“We, the undersigned 600 civil society organisations, stand in full and uncompromising solidarity with Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.) in his courageous and timely call for decisive action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, following his disgraceful and highly provocative verbal assault on a serving naval officer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.”

The organisations backed former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), who had earlier urged President Tinubu to take firm disciplinary action against the minister. They noted that the confrontation, where Wike allegedly called the officer “a big fool,” was a “gross act of indiscipline and arrogance unbecoming of a public officeholder.”

“This is not leadership. This is not governance. This is arrogance,” the coalition stated, accusing Wike of abusing his office and disrespecting institutions of the state. The group warned that ignoring the issue could “send a dangerous message” that public officials could insult security personnel without consequence.

The CSOs listed their demands, which include Wike’s immediate dismissal, a public apology to President Tinubu and the Armed Forces, and an independent investigation into the incident. They also called for mandatory civil–military relations training for political officeholders.

“Anything less would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people and the Armed Forces. The Federal Government must act swiftly and firmly. The integrity of this administration is at stake,” the statement read.

The coalition praised Buratai for “speaking truth to power” and defending the honour of the military. They vowed to keep up pressure until action is taken. “We will not be silent. We will monitor, we will follow up, and we will mobilise until justice is done,” they added.

They concluded by warning that allowing the matter to slide could damage military morale and encourage impunity among political appointees.

“No minister, no matter how powerful, has the right to insult or undermine the Nigerian military in the discharge of its lawful duties,” the communiqué said.