Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has faulted the widespread outrage over the clash between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Lt. Abdulraman Yerima, saying the reaction is driven by a growing public hostility toward government institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday , Kachikwu said the altercation has been exaggerated by what he described as a “vocal minority” determined to malign Wike due to longstanding public resentment.
Kachikwu, who titled his remarks “The Animal Farm Called Nigeria,” said Nigerians have become increasingly dismissive of government officials regardless of context, arguing that both Wike and the military officer acted under provocation.
“Today I weep for Nigeria because we are becoming a nation fuelled by hate of anything government,” he said.
“The unrighteous righteous indignation calling for the Minister’s head is unacceptable to any right-thinking person.”
He questioned why the same level of criticism was not directed at the military officer who referred to police personnel as “bloody policemen,” noting that public dislike for the police often leads to selective outrage.
Kachikwu also referenced previous incidents, including the killing of police officers returning from election duty in Anambra State, accusing Nigerians of ignoring abuses when the victims are police officers.
“The hatred people have for the Minister is the same hatred they have for the police,” he said.
According to him, Wike was performing his duty as the FCT’s Chief Security Officer and representative of the President when the confrontation occurred. He argued that a retired military general cannot supersede the constitutional authority of a serving minister.
Kachikwu warned that the rising tendency to attack public officials could embolden security agencies to violate citizens’ rights.
“Because we hate ourselves, nobody will care when tomorrow this same military tramples on your rights,” he said.
“In this Animal Farm called Nigeria, all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
