- Dino Melaye publicly criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for denying that he insulted Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima during a confrontation over a disputed plot of land.
- Wike had been recorded shouting derogatory phrases at the officer, which led to widespread public condemnation.
- In his defense, Wike claimed his comment was misinterpreted and meant to criticize the officer for carrying out an illegal order, rather than insulting the military.
- Melaye dismissed Wike’s denial, stating that he was making a futile attempt to retract his words.
Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has publicly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for denying that he insulted a Naval officer during a recent confrontation in Abuja.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 11, when Wike visited a disputed plot of land and ordered the halt of construction. Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima and his team were at the site to protect the workers, leading to a heated exchange where Wike was clearly heard shouting:
“Shut up your mouth, who does that? Will you keep quiet? Are you a big fool? You are a big fool.”
The outburst sparked widespread public criticism, with many accusing the Minister of disrespecting the Armed Forces.
Responding at a press conference on Thursday, November 14, Wike denied insulting the officer, claiming his comment was misinterpreted. He attempted to clarify his statement:
“Some people said I said the boy ‘you are a fool’. What I meant was this, you cannot be carrying out an illegal order, that is what I meant. I didn’t say ‘the military, you are a fool’,” Wike said.
He insisted he values the sacrifices of the military and explained that the officer was not expected to act in the manner he did.
Reacting to Wike’s denial on social media, Dino Melaye mocked the Minister’s retraction attempt:
“With eleven microphones, he attempts a denial of what he said with no microphone. Spirit of error na shege,” Melaye wrote.
