news
THE WIKE–ARMY CONFRONTATION: A DEMOCRACY TESTED BY OLD HABITS
By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare
Abuja, Tuesday 11 November 2025 –
The dramatic face-off between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and a junior military officer in the Gaduwa district of Abuja has once again exposed the lingering shadow of military impunity that still hovers over Nigeria’s democracy. More than twenty-five years after the nation’s return to civilian rule, Nigerians should not still be subjected to the spectacle of uniformed men confronting elected or appointed civilian officials in the line of lawful duty. That dark era of decrees and intimidation should have been long buried with the departure of military rule in 1999. Yet, what the country witnessed on that fateful Tuesday was a confrontation that symbolised a troubling question: Are we truly free of the vestiges of military arrogance?
Let us be reminded that the Minister was not visiting a barracks, nor encroaching upon a restricted zone. He was performing his duty within the constitutional boundaries of the FCT Administration — an office that directly represents the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To obstruct him was not to challenge Mr. Wike the man, but to defy the office of the President and the authority of the Nigerian State.
“Even if you are a lieutenant-general or vice admiral, the government must function according to law,” Wike reminded them.
The junior officer’s refusal to allow the Minister access to government-controlled land, and the arrogance with which he responded, was an act of insubordination dressed in khaki. Nigeria’s Constitution leaves no ambiguity: the military is subordinate to civilian authority.
There must be clarity about where true authority lies. Nyesom Wike has been a Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff, two-term Governor, Minister, and is presently the President’s appointed representative in the nation’s capital. The retired General allegedly connected to the disputed land may have worn stars on his shoulders, but no number of medals elevates one above the laws of the Republic. As for the young Lieutenant who confronted him — by service equivalence, he ranks at best with a local councillor, certainly not a peer of a federal minister. When such a junior officer obstructs the lawful work of a minister, it is not only bad conduct; it borders on institutional rebellion.
The broader concern is the creeping return of militarism into civil space. On the roads of Abuja, citizens still endure the swagger of armed men who treat uniforms as licences for lawlessness. The Gaduwa episode was therefore not an isolated quarrel — it was a symbol of a deeper problem: the failure of some officers, serving and retired, to mentally demobilise from the habits of absolute power. If democracy must survive, discipline must begin from the barracks. The Chief of Army Staff and the Defence Headquarters owe the nation an inquiry and, where necessary, disciplinary measures. Silence in the face of such misconduct only emboldens future defiance.
The land at the centre of the dispute reportedly links to retired top officers and large-scale private development. If that claim is true, it raises critical questions: Was the plot legitimately allocated? How did a public green zone become a private estate? What is the source of the funds involved? These are not questions of sentiment but of transparency and accountability. The FCT Administration must publish a detailed account of the land’s ownership and revoke any illegal claim. Impunity, no matter the rank of those involved, must not be permitted to thrive.
Those cheering the officers for confronting Wike should reflect on the dangerous precedent it sets. Today it is Wike; tomorrow, it may be a governor, a minister, or any civilian official. A nation that normalises defiance against constituted authority invites chaos. Wike represents the President; thus, to insult or obstruct him in his lawful duty is to insult the office of the Commander-in-Chief himself. This was not merely a personal affront; it was an institutional challenge that touches the very soul of Nigeria’s democratic order.
Nigeria must draw a line between military service and civil governance. The military’s nobility lies in its obedience to lawful authority, not in defiance of it. We must resist any drift back to the era of decrees and intimidation. The rule of law must be upheld — not by words but by consequence. The FCT incident should serve as a reminder that power in a democracy is not measured by rank but by constitutional mandate. Those who bear arms do so under the authority of the Republic, not above it. No Nigerian, big or small, soldier or civilian, should ever stand in the way of lawful governance. This confrontation must be treated not as a spectacle but as a warning — that the endurance of our democracy depends on everyone, in and out of uniform, submitting to the rule of law. The Constitution, not the gun, remains the ultimate authority in the Republic.
Perspective from Ayanfejesu Kiaz
But honestly, wit the kind of citizens we are, we don’t deserve a better nation.
Our sense of right and wrong changes wit our emotions and who’s involved.
When the powerful use soldiers outside their lawful duty to oppress ordinary citizens, we all shout, protest, and cry foul.
But now dat those same soldiers are being used to intimidate the FCT Minister, the chief executive of the capital city, from doing his lawful job, suddenly, bcos you dislike Wike, the soldiers have become heroes
Not in our Constitution or the Military Act dat says soldiers have any role in land protection or civil disputes.
This selective outrage is our real problem.
When wrong becomes right bcos it favors our bias, the nation sinks deeper.
In the end, we’ll all be alright, just not as we handle situations.
© Ayanfejesu Kiaz
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
Business6 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)