Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma, has praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for defending the principle of civilian supremacy during a recent confrontation involving a military officer over a land dispute in Abuja.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Oghuma said Wike’s actions were not just about protecting a parcel of land but about upholding one of the core pillars of democracy — the authority of civil institutions over armed personnel.

The former lawmaker described the officer’s conduct as a serious breach of discipline and duty, noting that the military uniform is a national symbol, not a licence for intimidation or interference in lawful civil processes.

According to him, the officer “desecrated the uniform” when he abandoned his professional responsibilities to act as an enforcer in a private land disagreement.

“What cannot be tolerated is a situation where armed personnel intimidate civil authorities or obstruct lawful administrative processes,” Oghuma stated. “Such conduct is an abuse of power and a direct affront to civilian governance.”

He emphasized that the rule of law must remain supreme, and reminded all parties — ministers, soldiers, and civilians — that they are bound by the same legal framework. To promote transparency, he called on the FCTA to publish full documentation on the disputed land and urged Defence authorities to reaffirm their commitment to non-interference in civil matters.

Oghuma noted that if the incident results in disciplinary action, public accountability, and renewed respect for due process, it could become “a positive turning point” for governance in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Abuja cannot be a city where might overrides right,” he said. “Even those in uniform must bow to the authority of the law.”

He pointed out that Wike’s response was a necessary assertion of the constitutional powers of the FCT Administration, adding that if armed officers can defy civil authority, the entire structure of urban governance risks collapsing into impunity.

Oghuma further stressed the need for improved coordination between civilian and military institutions, arguing that disputes involving government land or military establishments should be handled through proper inter-agency channels, not confrontations at construction sites.

He urged the Defence Headquarters to take disciplinary action against the officer involved, insisting that such measures are vital to restoring public confidence and reinforcing the military’s reputation as an institution founded on discipline.

While acknowledging the respect Nigerians have for the armed forces, Oghuma warned that such respect can only be sustained when the military demonstrates commitment to the rule of law.

“Deploying soldiers in a private or unauthorized capacity erodes public trust and sends a dangerous message — that power can be used to subvert justice,” he said.