REJOINDER: THE ARROGANCE OF POWER AND THE DIGNITY OF THE UNIFORM: A RESPONSE TO ANNGU ORNGU

The treatise by Mr. Anngu Orngu, while cloaked in the elegant language of constitutionalism, is a dangerous apologia for executive impunity and a gross misrepresentation of the relationship between civil authority and military professionalism. By attempting to justify Minister Nyesom Wike’s public humiliation of a serving military officer, Orngu not only misses the point but actively undermines the very constitutional order he claims to defend. It is a profound irony that a man who presents himself as a defender of the law demonstrates such a flawed understanding of its spirit and letter.

Let us be clear: the issue is not the Minister’s constitutional authority to supervise projects within his portfolio. The issue is the manner in which he chose to exercise that authority—a manner that was abusive, unconstitutional, and corrosive to national discipline.

1. The Fatal Flaw: Confusing Authority with Absolutism

Mr. Orngu, whom one can only assume is a pocket constitutional lawyer serving a narrow agenda, correctly cites Sections 5 and 148 of the Constitution. However, he commits a grave error by interpreting this as a grant of absolute, unaccountable power. Nowhere in the Constitution is a Minister granted the power to:

· Use insulting and abusive language against any citizen, let alone a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces.
· Threaten the use of violence against a state official.
· Publicly humiliate and demoralise an officer who was, by all accounts, performing his lawful duty.

The Minister’s power is derived from the Constitution and must be exercised within its bounds and in accordance with public service rules and decorum. Orngu’s argument, taken to its logical conclusion, would mean that a Minister could engage in any manner of misconduct, and it must be tolerated because he acts as an “extension of the President.” This is a recipe for tyranny, not democratic governance.

2. The Commissioned Officer: A Bearer of Sovereign Authority

Mr. Orngu’s most profound ignorance is exposed in his failure to understand the constitutional and legal status of a Presidential Commissioned Officer.

A commissioned officer does not receive his commission from a Minister. He receives it from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, symbolised by the handover of the Nigerian Flag. His oaths of Allegiance and Office are sworn to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, not to the ego of a Minister.

The officer at the scene was not a personal employee of Mr. Wike; he was a representative of the state’s coercive authority, performing a duty as assigned by the military chain of command. To reduce this sacred sovereign trust to a mere subservience to ministerial whim is an insult to the institution of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The officer’s duty is to obey lawful orders, not to endure public degradation. Even I, Pastor Musa Mai-Anguwa, a man of the cloth, understand this fundamental distinction between lawful authority and sheer impunity—a distinction that seems to elude a purported legal mind like Mr. Orngu.

3. The Established Protocol: The Path Mr. Wike Chose to Ignore

A true respect for constitutional order involves respecting the established institutions and channels of authority. If Minister Wike had a grievance with the officer’s conduct, the constitutional and professional path was clear and unambiguous:

1. He could have noted the officer’s name and unit.
2. He could have immediately contacted the Chief of Defence Staff or the relevant Service Chief.
3. He could have lodged a formal complaint through the Ministry of Defence to the military high command.

The military, governed by the stringent Armed Forces Act, has its own robust disciplinary procedures to address insubordination or misconduct. By bypassing this entire structure in favour of a public spectacle, Minister Wike did not assert constitutional authority; he displayed sheer arrogance and a blatant disregard for institutional protocols. He chose to be a bully instead of a leader.

4. The Real Threat to National Security

Orngu accuses Lt. Gen. Buratai of being “dangerously uninformed,” but the true danger lies in his own justification of impunity. The real threat to national security is not a junior officer standing his ground, but a Minister who:

· Demoralizes the armed forces by publicly stripping an officer of his dignity.
· Creates a climate of fear where officers may hesitate in their duties, uncertain whether professional decisions will lead to public shaming by a political appointee.
· Erodes the morale and esprit de corps that are the bedrock of an effective military.

An army that is taught to silently endure abuse from civil authorities is not a professional army; it is a servile one, and a servile army is a danger to democracy itself.

Conclusion: Defending the Constitution Means Defending Decorum

Mr. Orngu’s essay is a classic case of using the law as a shield for misconduct. He defends the source of power while ignoring the abuse of that power. The Constitution was designed to prevent the concentration and abuse of power, not to facilitate it.

It is a sad commentary that a Pastor like myself, whose duty is to preach righteousness and justice, must school a self-styled constitutionalist on the basic principles of decency and lawful conduct embedded in our national charter. Minister Wike’s actions were a disgraceful display of arrogance that would be unacceptable in any mature democracy. To support it, as Mr. Orngu does, is to endorse a culture of impunity that weakens our institutions, demoralizes our armed forces, and ultimately, undermines the Nigerian state.

The officer in question deserves commendation for his restraint, not condemnation. And those who, like Orngu, preach a blind obedience to abusive power should be reminded that the Constitution is a charter for decent governance, not a license for tyranny.

Signed,

Pastor Musa Mai-Anguwa
Abuja, Nigeria.

*600 CSOs back General Buratai’s call for action, demand sack of Wike

Over 600 civil society organizations (CSOs) have thrown their full weight behind former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) and taken a step further to demand the immediate sack of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over his public insult of a naval officer.

The CSOs described Wike’s conduct as “unacceptable, reckless, and dangerous to national unity.”

They endorsed General Buratai’s call for decisive action and insisted that nothing short of Wike’s removal from office would restore public trust and military morale.

The coalition, under the auspices of Good Governance Network (GGN), said Wike’s behaviour was not just personal misconduct but a direct attack on the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and an affront to the office of the Commander-in-Chief.

They made this known in a joint communiqué signed by Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Governance, Nigerian Integrity Movement, Citizens Watch Forum, Anti-Corruption Vanguard Network, Democratic Rights Alliance, Youth for Ethical Leadership Initiative, Women Against Impunity Coalition, Rule of Law Advocates Nigeria, Patriotism and Development Forum, the National Accountability Platform among others.

Signed by Comrade Usman Danladi, the CSOs stated: “We, the undersigned 600 civil society organizations, stand in full and uncompromising solidarity with Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff, in his courageous and timely call for decisive action against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, following his disgraceful and highly provocative verbal assault on a serving naval officer on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

“What the nation witnessed was not a mere exchange of words. It was a deliberate, public humiliation of a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Navy—an officer who swore an oath to defend this country with his life.

“For a sitting minister to shout ‘Shut up your mouth!’ and call a uniformed officer ‘a big fool’ in the presence of his subordinates and the public is an act of gross indiscipline, arrogance, and contempt for the institution that holds our national security together.

“This is not leadership. This is not governance. This is the conduct of a man who believes his political office places him above the law, above decency, and above the very armed forces that protect our democracy.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, has the right to insult, demean, or undermine the Nigerian military in the discharge of its lawful duties.

“We note with deep concern that Wike has made a habit of using intimidation, threats, and abusive language against citizens, officials, and now, uniformed personnel. His pattern of behavior—marked by aggressive demolitions, disregard for due process, and now open disrespect for the military—poses a clear and present danger to public peace, institutional harmony, and democratic stability.

“We therefore demand the immediate sack of Barr. Nyesom Wike from office. Anything less would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people and the armed forces. In addition, we demand an immediate public apology—Barr. Nyesom Wike must, within 48 hours, issue a formal, public, and unqualified apology to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Chief of Defence Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces; the Nigerian Navy; the specific naval officer who was insulted; and the Nigerian people.

“We also demand an official investigation: The Federal Government must set up an independent panel to investigate the incident, examine the minister’s conduct, and determine whether it constitutes a breach of the oath of office and public service rules.
“Additionally, we call for disciplinary action: If found guilty of misconduct, the minister must face appropriate sanctions, which may include suspension from office pending full inquiry.

“Furthermore, we urge training on civil-military relations: All political office holders must undergo mandatory training on respect for the armed forces and the importance of civil-military harmony.
“Finally, we demand protection of military dignity: The government must issue a clear policy directive that no public official, regardless of rank, may insult, harass, or obstruct members of the armed forces while on duty.

“We commend General Buratai for speaking truth to power. His statement was not just a defense of one officer—it was a defense of the entire military institution, the chain of command, and the dignity of service. His voice reminds us that the strength of Nigeria lies not in the loudness of politicians, but in the quiet courage and discipline of those who wear the uniform.

“We warn that if this matter is swept under the carpet, it will send a dangerous message: that political power can be used to trample on the honor of those who defend us. It will weaken morale in the barracks. It will embolden impunity. And it will further erode public trust in government.

“If an insult to us as a nation, to the armed forces of our nation and that of the Commander in Chief hereby go unpunished, the tendency that every Labour that has been put in place to build this nation on a solid foundation will be eroded. When that happens, the enemies of the country within and outside will thereafter congregate and the result can be foretold from the beginning.
“This is not about politics. This is about principle. This is about respect. This is about the kind of Nigeria we want—one where leaders serve with humility, where the military is honored, not humiliated, and where no one is above the law.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly and firmly by removing Wike from office. The eyes of the nation are watching. The integrity of his administration is at stake.

“Let it be known: we will not be silent. We will monitor. We will follow up. We will mobilize. Until justice is done.”

#OurLivesMatter: South Western Nigeria Now Vulnerable To Banditry, As People Live In Apprehension and Instability

When Government sleeps, terror wakes. When Government fails, people suffer.

In the once peaceful towns of Southwestern Nigeria, fear now walks the streets freely. From the farmlands of Ondo to the villages of Osun and the highways of Kwara, gunfire and grief have become part of daily life. People now sleep with one eye open, praying that dawn will meet them alive. The hum of daily life has been replaced by the wail of grief and the silence of deserted farmlands.

This region, long known for its calm, culture, and commerce, is bleeding. Farmers no longer go to their fields. Traders close shops before dusk. Even schools struggle to stay open because parents are afraid to let their children out of sight. A cocoa farmer in Ondo, Adebayo, speaks with tears in his eyes. “I lost three workers to kidnappers,” he says quietly. “They asked for money I didn’t have. I left everything behind. Now I do menial work just to feed my family.”

His story echoes across the region. Every day, new victims are added to the growing list of those displaced, missing or killed. In some communities, villagers have fled entirely, seeking refuge with relatives or sleeping in churches. In Osun, widows gather in groups, sharing tales of pain. In Kwara, market women speak of journeys they no longer dare to take.

The tragedy in the Southwest is not only human but economic, with fear crippling trade and halting growth across the region. Small and medium-sized businesses struggle to survive while larger companies scale back operations or relocate entirely. In Ondo, a textile factory that employed over 200 workers shut down after repeated attacks on staff commuting from nearby villages. The losses forced dozens into unemployment, leaving families without income or security. Investor confidence has plummeted as local and foreign partners perceive the region as high-risk. The Nigerian stock market has reflected this unease, with banking, oil, and consumer goods sectors registering significant sell-offs, illustrating that insecurity is no longer a distant social problem but a tangible economic threat.

Farmers in Kwara and Osun are abandoning fertile lands after repeated raids. Tomatoes rot in trucks stranded on unsafe roads, and maize and yams spoil in storage because distribution networks cannot operate. Market traders recount how the cost of transporting goods has doubled, pushing prices of essential items like rice, beans, and pepper to levels ordinary families cannot afford. Inflation bites harder while income shrinks, forcing households into impossible decisions between food, medicine, and safety.

The disruption of commerce also hits long-term growth. Local entrepreneurs who once invested in expanding operations now hesitate, fearing losses and extortion. Foreign investors withdraw quietly, leaving jobless workers and empty factories. In Ibadan, a furniture company shut down its second branch after employees were attacked on the road, and in Ado-Ekiti, a small garment factory stopped production entirely due to insecurity-related disruptions. These are not isolated incidents; they reflect a regional pattern where insecurity has become a barrier to both opportunity and survival.

A roadside trader, Aishat, captures the reality in a few words. “We are living like refugees in our own land,” she says. “You can’t go to the farm, you can’t stay at home, you can’t even sell pepper in peace. The government has forgotten us.” Her pain is shared by millions who feel abandoned by a leadership more interested in photo opportunities than real protection.

Schools and health services are not spared. Parents in Osun now keep children home for fear of kidnappings. Clinics in rural areas operate with skeletal staff after nurses and doctors fled attacks or extortion attempts. Children miss lessons, farmers cannot attend training programs, and patients risk long journeys through dangerous roads to reach hospitals. These failures reveal how insecurity destabilizes every layer of society, from the economy to education and health.

Billions of naira are allocated every year for security, yet ordinary citizens sleep with one eye open. The same leaders who swore to defend the people now live behind barricades, guarded by convoys of armed men. The government’s failure is not just inaction; it is betrayal. It has allowed fear to become a permanent resident in people’s lives.

Communities are attempting to respond where government has failed. Vigilante groups and local security initiatives have emerged in some areas, but these are often under-resourced and operate under constant threat. In Ondo, villagers have organized nightly patrols after a series of kidnappings, but they admit that without official support, their efforts only offer temporary relief. This patchwork of protection highlights the absence of coherent policy and leadership at the state and federal levels.

The #OurLivesMatter campaign has emerged as a cry from the soul of a wounded region. It is not just another hashtag; it is the collective voice of those who refuse to die in silence. It calls on citizens, community leaders, and civil society to rise and demand accountability. Every Nigerian life counts, and the people will no longer accept excuses.

Southwestern Nigeria deserves better. Its people deserve safety, dignity, and peace. The time for government promises has passed. The people are demanding action, not speeches. Until those in power wake up to the pain on the streets, the cry will only grow louder. Because in the end, no government that fails to protect its people has the moral right to rule them.