Wike-Yerima: Why the clash warrants thorough investigation – Agbakoba

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Olisa Agbakoba, a senior attorney and past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has demanded a comprehensive probe into the recent altercation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Lt. Yerima, a military commander.

Agbakoba stated in a post on X on Friday that the incident calls into doubt both the legitimacy of the property ownership at the heart of the conflict and civilian authority over the military.

He pointed out that the crucial question is whether the military commander has a legitimate land title, even though the minister could have handled the matter differently.

Agbakoba questioned whether military orders could take precedence over civilian laws and the validity of the military’s claim to the property.

In addition, he questioned if the officer might be using military force instead of due process to claim authority over the territory.

According to the senior attorney, a thorough inquiry is necessary to address the issues surrounding the conflict, such as adherence to land restrictions and the limits of military authority.

He said: “The Wike Military issue is a complex one that raises crucial questions about civilian control over the military. While there’s no doubt that Minister @GovWike could have approached Lt. Yerima differently, the core issue at hand is compliance with land title regulations.

“So I ask: aside from Wike’s alleged indiscretion, what about the military’s claim to the land in question? Does Lt. Yerima actually have legal title to it, or has he simply wielded military power to assert his control? While it’s true that Lt. Yerima can invoke obedience to superior orders to deny access to Wike, it begs the larger question: do military rules operate separately from our civilian laws?

“I genuinely want to know if the General holds a legitimate title to this land or if he is merely relying on military power. Can a civilian, in this case, the minister, resist or evade compliance with those military directives? This entire situation certainly warrants a thorough investigation.”

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