Aside from the legality or otherwise of the actions that led to Minister Nyesom Wike’s presence on the disputed land, his uncouth conduct towards the soldier involved was deeply unbecoming of a public officer of his stature.

A soldier is a person who has sworn an oath to defend this nation, even at the cost of his life. Such individuals deserve respect, not public humiliation. By calling a uniformed soldier “a fool,” the Honourable Minister did not merely insult one man; he denigrated the dignity of the entire Armed Forces.

As an Honourable Minister, Wike’s words and actions ought to be honourable. Unfortunately, his outburst betrays a pattern of high-handedness and abuse of authority, reminiscent of his previous confrontations in Rivers State. This is not the model of leadership Nigeria needs. It should instead be a sobering moment for the Minister to reflect on how to relate respectfully with all citizens, regardless of class or status.

Had Wike exercised a measure of restraint and courtesy toward Officer Yerima, the situation might not have degenerated into a public spectacle. The soldier, by his own consistent explanation, was merely acting on orders, a fact supported by law.

Under Section 56(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act, a soldier is duty-bound to obey lawful commands; failure to do so may amount to insubordination. Furthermore, Section 218(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests the President with command of the Armed Forces through the established military hierarchy. The soldier, therefore, had no discretion to abandon his post unless ordered to do so by a superior officer, such as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who reportedly contacted him during the incident. In the absence of a contrary order, the order to remain on site remained binding.

A soldier who acts within this chain of command has committed no offence. Only the President or a superior officer acting under delegated authority can countermand such orders. The minister’s confrontation with a lawful military operation was thus procedurally inappropriate.

Public officers, especially ministers of the Federal Republic, must uphold the rule of law and institutional respect at all times. Disagreements with the military or any other agency should be addressed through proper channels, rather than through public confrontation.

This incident should serve as a cautionary tale for all public officials: the exercise of power must be matched with decorum, humility, and respect for institutions. Leadership is not about shouting commands; it is about modelling restraint, fairness, and honour.

Hamza N. Danatni Esq.
Rights Activist.
13/11/25.

Civil‑society groups and a prominent human‑rights lawyer on Thursday launched a coordinated appeal to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, asking him to persuade former Transport Commissioner Hon. Ibrahim Namadi to withdraw his resignation and restore him to his former post.

The plea follows Namadi’s decision to step down after intense public criticism over his role as surety for a ₦3 million bail granted to Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, a defendant in a criminal case. In a detailed letter to Governor Yusuf, Barrister Aliyu Mohammed of the Civil Society Coalition set out the legal and factual background of the incident.

“Hon. Namadi acted within the full bounds of the law and in good faith,” the letter states. “Standing as a surety is a statutory process intended to safeguard a defendant’s right to liberty while ensuring his attendance in court.”

Mohammed clarified that a ₦5 million sum mentioned in some media reports was a separate requirement placed on the defendant, not on the surety. He added that Danwawu has been attending his trial as ordered, thereby fulfilling the purpose of the suretyship, and that Namadi has since withdrawn from the bond.

An Abuja‑based legal luminary Samuel Adanu, who has been following the matter, told our correspondent that the former commissioner has not committed any crime.

“Acting as a surety for a suspect is a standard practice in our judiciary, where bail conditions may include the involvement of civil servants at various levels,” Adanu said. “I am appealing to the former commissioner and the state governor to resolve this matter in the interest of the state.”

Adanu warned that the issue had been “politicised to a level which the governor should understand that there are fifth‑columnists in his government who may be working for the opposition.”

A committee set up by the state government has cleared Namadi of any financial impropriety.

“The committee found no evidence of wrongdoing or personal gain on the part of Hon. Namadi, reinforcing the legal presumption that his actions were lawful.”said a source close to the governor who pleaded anonymity.

Beyond the bail controversy, the appeal highlighted Namadi’s broader contributions to the state. As Transport Commissioner, he oversaw reforms that improved traffic management, streamlined licensing procedures and strengthened coordination among stakeholders. His tenure, the letter says, was marked by “efficiency, reform and visible progress in transport regulation.”

Namadi has also been active in youth empowerment, providing capital and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. According to Mohammed, these initiatives have helped reduce youth vulnerability to crime.

Politically, Namadi is described as a key figure within the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He is said to have played a role in the party’s cohesion and governance agenda. His resignation, the appeal argues, was a self‑sacrificing act intended to spare the administration unnecessary distraction.

“The resignation, though difficult, demonstrates deep respect for leadership, loyalty to the state, and an uncommon sense of accountability,” the appeal reads. “It sets a commendable example of integrity and restraint in public service; qualities that should be recognized and encouraged, not punished.”

The human‑rights lawyer’s appeal calls for Namadi’s reinstatement either to his former post or to another capacity where his experience can benefit the state.
“Reinstating Hon. Namadi would be an act of fairness and moral strength, reaffirming Governor Yusuf’s reputation as a leader guided by justice, truth, and magnanimity,” the letter concludes.

Governor Yusuf’s office has not yet issued a formal response to the request. As the matter continues to generate public discussion, stakeholders await clarification on whether Namadi will be reappointed and what steps the administration will take to address broader concerns about due process and political accountability in Kano State.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Governor of Benue State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has expressed delight following the commissioning of the newly constructed and fully furnished 1,500-capacity auditorium at the NKST Secretariat, Mkar.

Sharing details on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Governor Alia described the event as a moment of fulfilment, noting that the project — which began over a decade ago — was completed through “collective commitment and faith in progress.”

“Today, I had the honour of commissioning the newly constructed and fully furnished 1,500 capacity Auditorium of the NKST Secretariat, Mkar — a project that began over a decade ago and has now reached completion through our collective commitment and faith in progress,” he wrote.

Governor Alia disclosed that his administration contributed ₦170 million towards the successful completion of the project as part of efforts to support institutions that promote moral and social development in the state.

He also acknowledged the role of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose administration supported the completion of the first phase of the NKST Secretariat project.

“I sincerely acknowledge the contributions of Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose administration supported the completion of the first phase of the NKST Secretariat project,” he added.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Alia was honoured with the title “Ishuen i NKST Family” — meaning A Strong Supporter of the NKST — by the church leadership in recognition of his support and contribution to the faith community.

The governor’s statement and photos from the event have since attracted widespread reactions from his supporters and followers on social media, many of whom commended his developmental strides and partnership with faith-based institutions in Benue State.